



Price 35 Cents 



A ROYALTY PLAY 



MOLLY BAWN 



BY 



MARIE DORAN 



Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation 

Successor to 

Dick & Fitzgerald 
New York 






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t/^ MOLLY BAWN# 35 cents. A comedy drama in 4 acts, by Marie Doran. 
7 male, 4 female characters (or by doubling, 5 male and 3 female). Time, about 2 
hours. Based upon incidents from a story by *'The Duchess. "_ The story is woven 
about Eleanor Masserene {Molly Bawn), whose mother eloped with a young Irishman, 
which has so embittered her grandfather that he disinherited her. After many years 
of loneliness he sends for Molly. How the coquettish heiress wins the hard, old man» 
is worked out in the play sometimes in a comedy setting and again in strong dramatic 
tenseness. $10.00 royalty per performance by amateurs, 

-^UNACQUAINTED WITH WORK; or. Married la Thirty 

Days. 25 cents. A comedy in 5 acts, by O. E. Young. 6 male, 6 female charac- 
ters. I interior scene. Time, 2 hours. Charles Chester^ a young man of leisure, 
succeeds in running up several bills. At last his landlord, ^«£r<?3 Sharpy threatens to 
imprison him unless his board bill is paid. His aunt's promise to help him out for the 
last time if he marries v/ithin thirty days forces him to propose to every girl he meets, 
•which naturally gets him into more trouble. Through his effort to get out of the 
tangle many funny situations arise. Among the characters are a very funny chamber- 
maid and her sweetheart, a darkey cook, a comical bellhop, a clever detective, etc. 

■^WAIT AND SEE* 2S cents. A comedy-drama in 3 acts, by Helen C. 
Clifford. 7 males, 7 females, i easy interior. Time, i^^ hours. At a week end 
party one of the guests endeavors to purloin an important document, compelling a girl 
over whom he believes he has control to assist him. While they are trying to open the 
safe they are discovered by the butler who proves to be an old trusted retainer of tlie 
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he is unsuccessful and a happy climax is reached. Among others it hasjan excellent 
soubretie role. 

•^"WIVES ON A STRIKE. 2S cents, a comedy In 3 acts, by Lilliam 
Sutton Pelee. 6 male, 7 or more female characters. Time, 3 hours. 3 interior 
scenes. Costumes varied. At a meeting of the Wives Welfare Club, it is decided to 
-*'go on Strike'' and Jane Spink is to make the test case. The wives' grievances 
greatly amuse Betty., a bride of 30 days, who boasts of her husband's angelic qualities. 
Her iirst offence of having supper late causes such a row that Betty also decides to 
*'go on strike." Betty^s scheme to make her husband change his set ideas about 
■woman's rights is the cause of all the mix-up. How the strike is won and the hus- 
bands taken back is cleverly depicted in the play. A parrot who swears at the right 
moment adds to the funny situations. 

tI^HIS sisters* 25 cents. A farce in i act; by Beulah King, i male, 
and 8 female characters \ or 9 female characters as the male may easily be impersonated 
ty a female character, i interior. Time, 30 minutes. Three sisters, who adore their 
Shandsome older brother, secretly plot to have him marry their particular friends" 
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play. 

-^suited at last* _ 25 cents. _A sketch in_ i act, by Elizabeth 
IUequhart. 7 females and a discharged soldier. i interior. Time, about 40 
minutes. Dorothy., a newly-wed wife, is in search of a cook; her mother, her chum, 
her Aunt Jane give much advice as to how she shall interview the various applicants, 
in fact, so much so, that Dorothy Is utterly confused and finally engages just what 
her husband has advised from the beginning. 

-A-ENCORES AND, extras. 35 cents, a collection of short mono- 
logues suitable particularly for encores, but are available for any occasion to fill in for 
a few minutes ; contains black-face, Hebrew, a fond mother, a rube monologue, etc. 

^GORGEOUS CECILE. The. 2S cents, a comedy in 3 acts, by 
Beulah King. 4 male, 5 female characters, i interior. Time, 2 hours. Max, the 
son of a wealthy widower, notwithstanding the schemes of his father and aunts, has 
remained obdurate to all of their matrimonial plans. Upon his return home for a 
visit, he finds, as usual, a girl whom it is hoped will subjugate him, but the hopes are 
frustrated, as it is *' The Gorgeous Cecile" to whom he turns._ The parte are all good 
and well contrasted, with sparkling dialogue and plenty of action. 



MOLLY BAWN 

A Comedy Drama in Four Acts 



BY 
MARIE pORAN 

Based upon certain incidents of a story by 
Mrs. Hu7igerford {^'The Duchess ^^) 



Copyrighted, 1910, by 
Marie Doraii 

Copyrighted, 1920, by 
Marie Doraii 






FlTZGEEALD PUBLISHING CORPORATION 

Successor to 

DioK & Fitzgerald 

18 Vesey Street New York 



P5 3S0J 

1 <^i ^O 



OCT -8 1920 
©Gl, 



Molly Bawn 



Note. — This drama is fully protected by copyright. 
All persons are warned not to produce it without author- 
ity. Amateurs desiring to produce it, apply to Fitzger- 
ald Publishing Corporation, 18 Vesey Street, New York. 
Professionals desiring to produce it, apply to Marie 
Doran, care of Fitzgerald Publishing Corporation. 



CHARACTERS 



Eleanor Masserene (Molly Bawn) \ Granddaughters 
Marcia Amherst J of Sir William 

Lady Cecil Stafford A friend of Sir William 

Sarah O'Donnell .Maid at the Masserene home 

Tedcastle Luttrell In love with Molly 

Sir William Amherst Molly's grandfather 

Captain Philip Shad well Marcia' s cousin 

John Masserene Molly's stepbrother 

Plantagenet Potts 

Robert Servant at Herst-Royal 

Mr. Blake Sir William's solicitor 

Note. — The following characters may double, if de- 
sired: Lady Cecil and Sarah O'Donnell. Sir Wil-. 
liam and John Masserene. Robert and Blake. 
Time. — The present. 
Time of Playing. — About two hours. 

SCENES 

Act I. — Rosedale, Molly's home in England. (In- 
terior. ) 

Act II — Herst-Royal, Sir William's estate nearby. 
(Interior.) Four days later. 

Act III. — Same as Act II. Three weeks later. 

Act ly. — Same as Acts II and III. One month later, 

3 



4 Molly Bawn 

SYNOPSIS 

The story, Molly Bawn, has always been popular, 
especially with women readers, and the fascination in 
the story is due to the delightful womanliness and vivac- 
ity of the charming heroine. 

The author of this stage version prepared a play that 
has been highly successful on the professional stage; it 
has often been requested for use on the amateur stage, 
and to meet this demand, this edition has been issued, 
and, while talented semi-professionals will find it not dif- 
ficult to produce, it remains in the exact form of the 
original drama. 

The story is woven about Eleanor Masserene, who, 
because of her sunny disposition, is nicknamed ''Molly 
Bawn." She is an orphan, the daughter of an aristo- 
cratic mother who eloped with a young Irishman; the 
romance of this situation instead of appealing to her 
mother's father, so angered and embittered him, he cut 
off his daughter, and permitted her to die in poverty. 

After many years of loneliness, this eccentric old aris- 
tocrat, Sir William Amherst, takes it into his head to 
send for his granddaughter, Molly, whom he has never 
seen. Molly, resenting the treatment her mother has 
received, declares she will not go to Sir William ^s home. 
However, persuaded by her stepbrother, John Mas- 
serene, and Sir William's messengers, Marcia and 
Captain Shadwell, she agrees to go. This arrangement 
is not at all pleasing to Molly's ardent admirer, Teddy 
LuTTRELL, but wilful MoLLY, dcspitc a burst of jealousy 
on the part of the faithful Teddy, packs her trunk and 
departs for the home of her wealthy grandfather. 

How the coquettish heroine wins the hard old man over 
to her sweet will, how she defeats her rival, Marcia, in a 
plot against the life of Sir William, incidentally driving 
her three admirers, Teddy, Captain Shadwell, and the 
ridiculous Platagenet Potts, almost to despair, is 
worked out in the following scenes, sometimes in a com- 
)edy setting, and again in strong dramatic tenseness. 



Molly Bawn 6 

While Molly is a dominant role, the other characters 
are also important and woven closely into the story ; the 
play thus affords an opportunity for individual successes, 
and pretty costumes may add to the interest and pleasure 
of every audience. 

COSTUMES 

Molly. Act I, a pretty summer dress; garden hat. 
Act II, same idea. Act III, dinner dress, pretty, but 
simple. Act IV, white, with black trimmings. (Mourn- 
ing.) In Acts III and IV Molly wears a ring on a 
chain about her neck. 

MapwCL4. Act I, handsome outdoor costume; hat. Act 
II, handsome house dress. Act III, dinner dress. Act 
IV, grey or violet. (Mourning.) 

Lady Cecil. Act II, handsome afternoon dress ; hat. 
Act III, dinner dress and hat. 

Sarah. Act I, house dress, apron. Act IV, l)lack, 
with white cap and apron. 

LuTTRELL. Act I, traveling costume. Act II, busi- 
ness suit. Act III, tuxedo. Act IV, uniform, British 
infantry. 

Masserene. Act I, business suit. 

Potts. Act II, fop — extreme. Same idea all through. 

Sir William. Act II, plain, with handsome robe. 
Act III, tuxedo. 

Blake, business suit, dark. 

Robert, livery. 

INCIDENTAL PROPERTIES 

Act I. — China closet containing plenty of dishes, coffee 
pot and tray in the upper portion ; in the lower portion 
are medicine bottles marked in large letters,* 'Liniment," 
'^ Poison," ''Arnica," "Ginger," "Witch Hazel," 
"Sulphur — Danger," etc., also surgical bandages and 
rolls of cotton, a pin-cushion and several large spools of 
cotton, etc. Park table cover in cupboard. Coffee-pot, 



6 Molly Bawn 

sugar bowl, cream pitcher, plates, knives and forks on 
table, with a loaf of bread, fruit and anything else de- 
sired. 

Step-ladder or ladder chair. British newspapers. 
Small basket of (candied) strawberries, and a small 
bunch of wild flowers. Letters. Broom. Duster. 
Dustpan. Two crutches. Teacup (to be broken). Suit- 
case. Several pieces of clothing, shoes, slippers, etc., in 
the trunk. 

Act II.— Watch and a jewelry box containing an en- 
gagement ring for Luttrell. Heavy cane for Sir Wil- 
liam. Book and newspapers on table. 

Act III. — Book and newspapers. Poker hanging at 
side of fireplace. Three stamped and sealed letters for 
Egbert. The screen used in Act II. Small bell (to be 
rung off stage). Neck chain with ring attached for 
Molly. 

Act IV. — Visiting card. Legal papers, several sheets 
fastened together, with a seal (copy of the will) for Mr. 
Blake. Letter. Ring on neck chain for Molly. 

STAGE DIRECTIONS 

As seen by a performer on the stage facing the audi- 
ence: R. means right hand; l., left hand; c, center; 
R. of c, right of center ; l. of c, left of center ; d. r., door 
at right ; D. L., door at left ; d. c, door at center ; xes, 
crosses ; xing, crossing. Up, toward back of stage j down, 
toward footlights. 



Molly Bawn 



ACT I 

SCENE. — Combination sitting and dining-room in tJie 
Masserene home. Plain carpet or large rug on 
floor. Door in c. of rear flat. Door l. and door r. 
Window L. of d. c. ; sJiade on window. Exterior 
hacking at d. c. and window. Interior hacking at 
D. R. Seat near window, China closet r. containing 
plenty of dishes in the upper portion; in the lower 
portion are hottles, handages and medical supplies 
as called for. Up l. a covered trunk containing sev- 
eral pieces of clothing, shoes, slippers, etc. A 
medium sized dining tahle down c. with chairs R. 
and L. of it. The tahle is covered with a white cloth 
and is set for a meal for two persons. Several 
letters and newspapers are also on tahle. DIS- 
COVERED, John Masserene at l. of tahle, ahout 
finishing his meal; Sarah O'Donnell at china 
closet, placing some dishes in the closet. 

John {reading from letter) , Here is something that 
will interest you, Sarah. 

Sarah (turning to him), Yis, sir, what is it? 

John {reading). **Tell Sarah I send her twenty-five 
kisses, and I cry for her every night — tell her to please 
send me a ginger cake. Your loving lonesome Lovat.'' 

Sarah (xing to hack of tahle). Bless his little 
heart ! 

John {laughing). How is that for steadfast devo- 
tion? 

Sarah. Twenty-five kisses, is it? {Glancing at 
letter) 

John {showing letter). There they are — ^X'es, clear 

7 



8 Molly Bawn 



across the page! (LaugJiing) Sarah, I am afraid you 
have captured the heart of my only son — age, four years ! 
(Laughing) 

Sarah. There never was another like him! Faith, 
he says when he grows to be a big boy, he's goin' to 
marry me! {Hearty laugh) And how is he and the 
Missus? {Arranging dishes on table) 

John. Everybody is well and having a delightful 
time. They hint at remaining three weeks longer, so 
they must be enjoying themselves. 

Sarah (r. of table). Three weeks is it? Sure it will 
do the Missus a wurruld o' good. 

John. But Lovat will cry his eyes out for his beloved 
Sarah. {Laughing) 

Sarah {with coffee-pot in hand). Sure, I could cry 
meself, if it wasn't for shame— I miss him that much. 
{About to refill John's cup) Will ye have another cup 
of coffee, sir? 

John. Not any more, Sarah, thank you. Where is 
Molly? 

Sarah. The divil only knows ! 

John. She has missed her lunch. 

Sarah. Ah, sure she's like the Irishman's flea — now 
you see her, now you don't. {Clears the table, placing 
dishes, etc., oti table, in the china closet. Removes the 
white table cover and replaces it with a dark cover which 
she takes from the china closet. Also replaces the news- 
papers on table) 

John. Here is another letter — and this one will 
create considerable excitement — or I'm a bad prophet. 
{Picking up letter from table) 

Sarah {pausing, at r. c). Excitement is it! Save 
us an' bless us! 

John. Nothing alarming, Sarah, only we are threat- 
ened with company! 

Sarah. Company is it? Arrah, who'd be afther 
wantin' to visit here? 

John. This letter is from Mr. Luttrell, Tedcastle 
George Luttrell. 



A 



. Molly Bawn 9 

Sarah. The young gintleman that was here last sum- 
mer? Faith, I remember him! I'll bet me old shoes 
he hasn 't forgotten Miss Molly ! I never saw the loikes 
of her for teasin' the poor young man! 

John. Molly is an awful flirt, but I really thought 
she took a fancy to Ted. 

Sarah (at table). Oh, sure she's that crazy for fun, 
she'd be afther makin' the ould boy himself believe she's 
takin' a fancy to him, just for the sake o' teasin' the 
loife out of him! She's a young divil if ever there was 
one — bless her swate heart ! If she 's a mind to torment 
Mr. — Mr. — what's his name? — she wouldn't stop for 
Saint Patrick. 

John (rising). Still, I do not want her to take 
Luttrell seriously. He is poor, so is Molly, and that 
kind of a start in life is not what I have pictured for 
my little Molly. 

Sarah. She ought to be afther marryin' a king, or a 
prince, or a — a — a — one of thim creatures from Amer- 
iky — what's this they're afther callin' thim? 

John, A millionaire? (Laughing, xing down l. c.) 

Sarah. The very thing — not that the loikes o ' thim is 
good enough for Miss Molly — with her pretty face and 
her grand airs — but I suppose the money would make 
up for the hinderance that 'ud be afther goin' along 
wid it. 

John, If it wasn't for that miserly, vindictive old 
relative of hers, she might take her proper place in the 
world as the granddaughter of Sir William Amherst ! 

Sarah (at china closet, pausing with dishes). Lord 
save us an' bless us ! how grand that would be ! 

John (l. c). But that's out of the question, along 
with the American millionaire — I am afraid we will have 
to allow Molly to work out her own destiny, poor little 
woman ! 

Sarah (going to front of table). Sure there's one 
thing she 's crazy about — it 's the theatre stage ! 

John (impatiently). Yes, I know. She inherited her 
craving for acting from her father, who was an actor. 



10 Molly Bawn 

But I caution you particularly, Sarah, not to encourage 
her in this fantastic idea. No stage for Molly. (Sits in 
chair l. c. Molly is heard singing off l.) 

Sarah. Whist — I'll remember. (Turning to win- 
dow) Here comes the darlint. What '11 she be afther 
sayin' to Mr. — ^Mr. — What 's-his-name 's letter? (Xes 
DOWN to hack of table. Molly is heard off stage singing 
a line or two of the song "Molly Bawn," or any other 
Irish song desired) 

ENTER Molly d. c, carrying a small basket filled with 
strawberries and covered with some wild flowers, 

Molly. Well folksies, how is this? I've been away 
two whole hours and yet you fail to greet me with a 
brass band! You don't deserve that I should come back 
to you at all! (Down r. c.) Ungrateful people! 
(Xes to John, lifting the flowers from basket and show- 
ing berries) And see what I have brought you ! (Sarah 
XES to R. of table) Just peek in — the very loveliest 
strawberries in Mrs. Rossmore 's garden ! and all for you, 
brother mine, because Mrs. Rossmore heard that our crop 
failed, and she knows as well as I do that life without 
strawberries is impossible ! (Eating a berry) I see you 
have lunched without me, (Glancing at table) Greedy 
people! (Xing to g.) I had my lunch at Mrs. Ross- 
more 's — a cutlet and rolls, two glasses of milk, three 
peaches, a jelly roll and four cream puffs! 

Sarah (down r. c). Bless me soul! 

Molly. I'm full up to there. (Measuring across her 
throat) You need not prepare another meal in this 
house for a week — unless other people are hungry — 
which of course is probable. Old Mr. Rossmore drove 
me home in the pony cart, and he wanted to hold me 
hand — this hand — (Showing her right hand) only it was 
all strawberry juice — and I reminded him that he is 
sixty years old, and is now living off the fortune of his 
third wife — and that under no circumstances would I 
permit him to make love to me — because I've made up 
piy mind to die an old maid! 



Molly Bawn 11 

Sarah. An ould maid ! go long wid yez ! 

John. You — I can see that 

Molly. Never mind — you will see — now don't in- 
terrupt me again, because whenever I have any really 
exciting adventures to relate, I like to tell them and get 
it over. {Sitting on table c.) I suppose you never 
missed my charming society? 

John, I did miss you, but 

Molly. But with no serious injury to your appetite ? 

Sarah. Will yez have a cup o' coffee, darlint? 

Molly {looking at Sarah). Sarah, is that sarcasm, 
or do you really think I need it ? 

Sarah. Arrah, will yez say yes or no ? 

Molly. No, Sarah — I think I shall be able to survive 
until supper time. John — do you know what has hap- 
pened ? You '11 never be able to guess, never. The Ross- 
mores have bought a new carpet for the parlor, a new 
piano — that is, an old one, retuned ! Think of it ! But 
I can see that in order to do so, they have economized on 
the lace curtains — you know those ugly old curtains that 
have been hanging on the windows for the last seven 
years? Well, now Mrs. Eossmore turned them upside 
down, and ran a frill of lace across the bottom — but that 
didn't deceive me — because any one with half an eye can 
observe that the scroll pattern, which should match the 
same design on the opposite curtain, is now hanging flat 
against the wall, instead of matching the edge right 
down the centre ! It looks awful ! And besides 

John. My dear Molly 

Molly. And I don't like their new carpet half as 
well as the old one — that dark blue ground, with a sort 
of would-be orientalism in the corners. Of course it was 
never in good taste, but now, what do you suppose they 
have done ! Painted the woodwork in the parlor a sort 
of streakish, greenish, brownish sort of a reddish, and laid 
a carpet sprawled over with pink and yellow flowers that 
simply rise up and slap you in the face ! 

John. Is there anything over at the Rossmores' that 
you do like? 



12 Molly Bawn 

Molly. Only — ^the strawberries — and cream puffs^ — 
they're delicious. (Eating strawberry fro7n basket) 
And nature and the cook are responsible for them. 

Sarah. Whist — whist — will yez whist ! 

Molly. Why should I whist? Anybody sick on the 
premises ? 

Sarah. Yez have too much gab for the size o' ye. 
(Xes to china closet, takes out tray with dishes) 

[EXIT D. R. 

John (handing letter to Molly). Here is a letter 
in which your ladyship may be interested. 

Molly. Is it a bill? (Taking letter) 

John. It 's from — Ted Luttrell ! 

Molly (sharply). What! (Jumping down from 
table) You don't mean Teddy 1 

John (goes r. to back of table). I do mean Teddy. 

Molly. How mean of you not to say so when I first 
came in! (To l. c, opening letter) But I suppose you 
don't know that Teddy is desperately in love with me! 

John. You think everybody is. (At r. of table, 
picking up newspaper) 

Molly. I 'm sure they would never find any one nicer 
than I am ! 

John. In your opinion ! (Sits r. of table) 

ENTER Sarah d. r., carrying broom and dust-pan. 
Goes to china closet and leaves broom and pan near 
china closet. 

Molly. Bear! What does he say? Can't you tell 
me ? It would save me the trouble of reading it — Teddy 
writes an atrociously bad hand. (Reads letter) What's 
this ? Accept your kind invitation ? Great grief ! Did 
you invite him here? (Sarah goes to R. c. and listens) 

John. I never dreamed he would be so inconsiderate 
as to accept the invitation ! 

Molly (goes to l. of table). Of course he would ac- 
cept it — you forget my attractiveness Oh, John, if 

your wife — if Letty were only here — she would pull all 
the hair out of your dear stupid head ! 



Molly Bawn 13 

John. I'm glad she's visiting in Liverpool! 

Molly (looking at letter) . Does the wretch say when 
he is coming? 

John. Yes. {Rising, and retreating up stage) I — 
I — am afraid — now mind you, I didn't expect him to 
take this mean advantage of me — ^but I fear he is com- 
ing — to-day ! 

Molly {sJirilly). To-day! 

Sarah (aghast). Glory be to the saints! And look 
at the place — the wash in the tubs — the bread not baked — 
the dust on the stairs a foot deep — oh, cusha, cusha;, 
what '11 we do at all, at all! (Excitedly rearranges fur- 
niture, putting it in greater disorder) 

Molly (excitedly). Sarah, Sarah! for heaven's sake, 
don't go crazy! What are you doing? 

Sarah. What am I doin' is it? Tidyin' up a bit — 
do yez want him to be thinkin' we live like pigs! 
(Snatches broom, and sweeps violently) 

John. Great Scott, Sarah! see what a dust you're 
raising! (Taking broom from Sarah) 

Sarah (to John, indignantly). 'Tis a fine thing 
you're afther doin', Mr. Masserene! 

Molly (to John). You'll never be forgiven, never! 

John. I'm beastly sorry — but Ted should have more 
sense. (Sweeping) Suppose I telegraph him not to 
come ? 

Molly. Don't be a perfect donkey, John. He says 
here: (Referring to letter) ''Will reach Eosedale at 
three p.m." It's nearly that now — and if he's not 
actually at the station, he is on the way — oh, what a 
dreadful brother you are ! How delighted I shall be to 
see Ted ! and how overjoyed he will be to see me ! The 
dear curly-headed darling ! 

Sarapi. Curly-headed darlin' — an' there's not a slice 
of fresh bread in the house ! 

Molly (goes hack of table). Oh, we can manage 
without bread, if only the lace curtains were on the 
window! (Indicating window up c. Drops letter) 

John (placing broom against closet r.). I'm sure 



14 Molly Bawn 

Ted would rather have bread than lace curtains. (Xes 
to front of table, takes paper and sits in chair L. c.) 
Lace curtains are dry eating. {Reads paper) 

Molly (down l. c). Now that you've done all the 
mischief you can, you bury yourself behind a newspaper ! 

John {does not heed her). Oh! I'd like to be the 
public executioner — I'd hang every man in London — 
except Ted. 

Sarah (down r. c). What's to be did? (Xes to c. 
excitedly) 

Molly. Oh, nothing, Sarah — anything — don't ask 
me! (Sarah takes broom and again starts sweeping) 

John. Here is an account of a terrible accident ! 

Molly. Sarah, go fetch the curtains! 

Sarah. Oh, murther! {Dropping broom, turning to 
D. R.) Me heart's palpitatin' clear through me bosom! 

[EXIT quickly d. r. 

John {reading newspaper). This is frightful! A 
railroad accident 

Molly {rearranging furniture, etc.). I cannot un- 
derstand why men were ever created so unfeeling ! As if 

women had nothing to do except think of them 

{Picking up broom at r. c. and trailing it across to c.) 
Whenever I go to visit any one, I simply walk in with- 
out notifying them in advance — so they cannot possibly 
be inconvenienced. {Tossing the br 00711 toivard John, 
narrowly missing him) 

John. Will you listen to this? There has been a 
fearful railroad accident 

Molly {not heeding John, goes d. r.). Sarah — 
Sarah — are you going to be all day getting those cur- 
tains? I suppose Ted will be hungry — men are always 
hungry. (Going to cupboard, taking white cover and 
replacing it on table c.) Women don't require half as 
much food as men 

John. Oh, Molly, this is awful harrowing 

Molly {not heeding John). If he had only written 

two weeks ago {Galling) Sarah — ^but that's just 

like Ted — I hope he'll bring me something from Lon- 



Molly Bawn 15 

Son — ^^SaraH (Goes quickly to L. and picks up 

hroom) A bracelet, or a book, or (Running rapidly 

to D. R., calling) Sarah — for the love of the people 1 
What is keeping you! {Sweeping near d. r.) 

John {reading from paper), *' Fifteen killed '* — fif- 
teen! Isn't that frightful! 

Molly. If Letty were only here, she would know 
exactly what to do. She'd close the windows, draw the 
shades, lock the doors, and hang a sign on the garden 
gate — ' ' Smallpox within ! " * ' Beware the dog ! " ( CalU 
ing) Sarah ■ 

Sarah {off r.). Oh, whist! whist! I'm comin' as 
fast as ever me two legs will carry me 

ENTER Sarah d. r. with lace curtains, and dragging a 
small step-ladder. 

Sarah. I'm half kilt entirely with the news 

{Drops curtains near d. r. and continues to window, 
where she places the steps, and mounts them) 

Molly. Don't you think we ought to send some 
one to meet him? 

Sarah. Who's there to go but me, an' I wouldn't go 
to meet me grandmother's ghost — I'm afther warnin' 
yez — there's nothin' to eat but pickled mangoes! 

Molly {picks up a curtain and hands it to Sarah on 
ladder). I'm sure Ted loves pickled mangoes — and he 
may have a strawberry — and — and — a radish. 

Sarah {in disgust). That's a foine dinner! 

John {sharply). Great heavens! 

Sarah {startled). Glory be! {She 'drops the cur-^ 
tain) 

John. This is heartrending! 

Molly (down l. c, trailing curtain). Oh, Johnl 
how you frightened me! Is it an earthquake, or what 
are you talking about ! 

Sarah. Is it anythin' catchin'? {Sitting on step- 
ladder) 

Molly (xes to Sarah). Sarah, he'U be here before 



16 Molly Bawti 

you get those curtains half up ! (Handing Saeah a cur- 
tain wJiich she takes and Jiangs at window) 

John. Listen to this 

Molly {husy with the other curtain up r.). Yes, 
John, I'm listening. 

John {reading from paper). Another railroad acci- 
dent and twenty men killed 

Molly ( to Sarah) . Don 't hang it so short, Sarah 

John {reading). No, not twenty — twelve men 



Molly {drops curtain r. and goes to china closet r.). 
And I don't believe there is a whole teacup in the 
house. {Taking out a cup, she drops and breaks it) 

Sarah. Bad luck to us! The last one with a han- 
dle! 

John. Molly, do you hear ? twelve men killed 

Molly. I'll let him drink out of my cup. {With 
hr 00771 sweeping up fragments of cup) What did you 
say, John? twelve or twenty? Dreadful! Don't for- 
get to tell Ted he must not smoke in the house. {Sweeps 
vigorously) 

Sarah {surveying curtain). Is it straight ? 

Molly. No, it isn't. {Dropping hroom e. c, running 
to Sarah) Draw it more this way. {Bus. at curtains) 

John (in disgust). I don't believe they would care 
if everybody in England was killed! 

Molly. When did he say he would arrive? {Pick- 
ing up letter from floor, and advancing down c.) 

John {reading paper) . I can't make out whether it's 
twelve or twenty 

Molly. John! I don't believe you're listening to a 
word I say! {Drops letter on the floor , and again re- 
sumes sweeping) If he doesn't get here by three o'clock, 
he can't come until four, and if he doesn't come by four, 
he can 't come until five 

Sarah. Bad cess to him! Hand me the other cur- 
tain, darlint. 

Molly {drops hroom and hands Sarah the second 
curtain) . Now do try and get this one straight, Sarah, 
Mr. Luttrell is very criticaL 



Molly Bawn 17 

John (rising, excitedly). Great Jupiter! Suppose 
he should be on this wrecked train ! 

Molly. What wrecked train, John? (Picks up 
broom and xes to front of table. Sarah pauses, leav- 
ing curtain on top step of ladder) 

John {advancing; points to newspaper wJiich he 
thrusts before MoijIjY). Do you see that ! (Loud tone) 
A railroad accident ! With heavy loss of life ! 

Molly. John! (Dropping broom, taking paper) 
Why didn 't you say so ! 

Sarah. Glory be to heaven! who's liurted! (Going 
down from steps and advancing down c.) 

Molly. Perhaps Teddy is! Oh, John! how can you 
be so cruel! Look at the list of injured! I can't — I 
simply can't. (Thrusting paper into John's hands) 

Look among the L's — L-u-t-t-r-e-1-1 (To Sarah) 

Oh, Sarah — it 's a dreadful accident — hundreds of people 
killed, and thousands injured, and perhaps Teddy's one 
of them, and he can't come at all! 

Sarah (in disgust). Oh, faith, he'd come, if he was 
dead! 

Molly. You hard-hearted Sarah ! There isn 't a hu- 
man soul under this roof who has a spark of sympathy — 
only me — John, don't you see that I'm nearly frantic — 
is Teddy 

John. No — his name is not here. (In disgust) 
Lucky dog! 

Molly. Suppose they've forgotten to put his name 

in the paper I am sure something has happened to 

Teddy. But he shall have the best of care — go, Sarah, 
go prepare my room for the invalid! 

Sarah. Faith, 'tis mad yez are — your room is it, for 
the scamp ! 

John. Molly, don't be so hasty 

Molly. Hasty— think of poor Teddy, I know he's — 
he's — don't ask me to say it. (Turning r.) 

Sarah. Sure if he's kilt at all, wouldn't he be afther 
sendin' yez a tiligram? 

Molly. We must be prepared for the worst! QiO, 



18 Molly Bawn 

Sarah, draw the shades in my room, and place fresh 
flowers on the table, and they can carry him in there, 
poor, poor Teddy! 

Sarah (xing to d. r., in disgust). The divil take him 
for makin' so much trouble. Sure it's bad luck to be 
havin' a half-dead creature crossin' the tbTCshold. 

Molly. If he 's dead, it 's not his fault 

Sarah. And if he's alive, he'll be afther askin' for a 
good dinner o* corn beef and cabbage! 

[EXIT D. R. ivratlfifuUy. 

John. Now see here, Molly ■ 

Molly. Sit down and read your horrid newspaper. 
(John retreats to l. c, Molly follows liim) I'm run- 
ning this house — you are only here to pay the bills. 
Ted shall not be neglected, although some people {Glar- 
ing at John) — abandon him in his agony. (Xes to 
closet rapidly) 

John. I wish I'd kept my mouth shut. 

Molly. Fortunately, I have studied *' First Aid to 
the Injured.'* (Bringing from lower section of closet 
two very large bottles labeled Arnica and CampJior) 
And I know how to make a really comfortable bandage. 
(Placing bottles on table c. Returning to cupboard, she 
brings forth a large roll of bandages) Letty is so 
thoughtful — she is always prepared — John, why don't 
you make yourself useful? 

John (rising quickly). How so? 

Molly ( at table c. ) . Get me the court plaster — it 's in 
that cupboard somewhere. (John xes quickly to closet 
R. and ransacks it for articles Molly enumerates) And 
some belladonna And some needles 

John (pausing, astonished). What! 

Molly. And cotton — in case he should have to be 
sewed up — poor Teddy! (John brings to the table large 
bottle, marked Sulphur, a pin-cushion, and several large 
spools of cotton) I hope that is enough arnica and cam- 
phor. (Looking at large bottles) And you might fetch 
the witch hazel, and carbolic acid, and some chloro- 
form 



Molly Bawn 19 

John. CMorof orm 

Molly. For heaven's sake, John, don't question my 
instructions! {Unbinding bandages, as John brings 
forward the articles named) I hope I haven't for- 
gotten anything. 

John {sarcastically). Don't you want a butcher 
knife, and a saw, and a hatchet ? 

Molly. John Masserene, this is no joke ! 

John {sits r. of table), I should say not, and Ted 
won't think so either. 

Molly. How I shall enjoy nursing poor dear Ted back 

to life Oh! I have forgotten something! (Xing 

rapidly to d. r. ) He may have two or three broken legs ! 
I know just what to do for him! [EXIT quickly d. r. 

John. Whew! {Laughing, surveying table) I'm 
sorry for Ted! If he survives this treatment, he's a 
wonder! (Luttrell is heard whistling outside d. c.) 

ENf ER Tedcastle Luttrell d. c, whistling. He car- 
ries a traveling bag, 

Luttrell. By George! Hello, Masserene! (John 
stares at him in astonishment) Don't you know me! 
(Advancing) I'm devilish glad to see you! I should 
say I am. {Shaking John's hand vigorously) I should 
say so — seems like old times — doesn't it — I should say 
so 

John. Luttrell! You old humbug — you know I 
didn't expect to see you — like this — when did you get 
in — have a pleasant trip ? 

Luttrell. Splendid — splendid. How are you, John, 
and the wife, and Lovat — everybody well? 

John. Everybody disgustingly healthy. 

Luttrell. I'm glad to hear it. (Xing to L. c, 
glancing at bottles on table) Cleaning house? I'm 
afraid I took you rather by surprise ? 

John. No, indeed — we have been expecting you for 
a week 

Luttrell. How's that? I only made up my mind to 
come yesterday. 



20 Molly Bawn 

John. I know, but I — I anticipated that you would 
make up your mind — so we — we are fully prepared 1 

LuTTRELL. Awfully good of you. You know who 
I'm anxious to see— Molly — where is she, the witch! 
{Sound of some one approaching on crutcJies is heard 
off D. R.) 

John. Listen ! 

LuTTRELL. What the mischief's that ! 

ENTER Molly d, r. on crutches. Luttrell and John 
regard her in surprise as she advances, 7wt at once 
observing Luttrell. 

Molly (goes down r. c). How fortunate that I 
sprained my ankle last winter, or I should never have 

had these crutches (Sees Luttrell as she advances 

DOWN R. c.) Teddy! 

Luttrell. Molly ! My dearest Molly — when did this 
happen 

Molly. What? 

Luttrell. This — that — ^you — my poor little suffer- 
ing Molly. (Advances to Molly) 

Molly (hursts into a hearty laugh and drops the 
crutches). They're for you, Teddy, and you're alive 
and well ! 

Luttrell (puzzled). Yes, I hope so. 

Molly. No broken limbs? (Advancing) 

Luttrell (puzzled). No. 

Molly. No mutilated ribs? 

Luttrell. Not one — that I know of. 

Molly. No lacerated organs? 

Luttrell. Only my heart, and you know who's re- 
sponsible for that! 

Molly. I suppose I should be delighted. (Advanc- 
ing and extending both hands) But I'm not— we ex- 
pected to see you arrive in pieces ! 

Luttrell. What ! 

John. Molly had fully made up her mind that you 
were a victim in the wreck. 



Molly Bawn 21 

LuTTRELL. I see. (Laughing) I was not on that 
train! Fortunate, wasn't it? 

Molly. I suppose so — but I am disappointed. Look 
there. {Indicating 'bottles^ etc., on table) All for you — 
so were the crutches ! 

LuTTRELL. It 's a pity I 'm so sound and solid 

Molly. I'm a capital nurse. I can make the most 
obstinate patient do just what I say. 

LuTTRELL. You do that anyway, without a fellow 
being stretched helplessly on his back — speaking for 
myself, I mean. 

Molly. Teddy, are you hungry? 

LuTTRELL. Only for a sight of you ! 

Molly. John, tell Sarah that Mr. Luttrell has ar- 
rived and would like his supper. 

John (turning up d. r.). Don't let her make a fool 
of you, Ted — that 's her game, you know. 

Molly. John! (John laughs and EXITS d. r.) 
Teddy, do you like mangoes? 

Luttrell. I don't know 

Molly. And radishes 

Luttrell. Well, I 

Molly. And strawberries? (Extending the hasket 
to him) 

Luttrell. No, thank you. 

Molly. Sit down, Teddy. 

Luttrell. Aren't you going to kiss me, Molly? 

Molly. What did I tell you last summer ? 

Luttrell. I don't know, but I remember that I 
told you that I loved and worshipped and adored 
you. 

Molly. Yes you did, and shocked the whole neigh- 
borhood by acting like a spoony lunatic! (Laughing, 
picking up crutch r., puts it behind cupboard R.) 

Luttrell. What do I care for the neighbors? AH 
I care to know is — how do I stand now? 

Molly. Do you know what John says? He says thai 
when people without money marry other people witL 
out money, it's insanity! 



22 Molly Bawn 

LuTTRELL (impatiently). He doesn't know what lie's 
talking about. The real question is, can you be happy 
with me, even though we are both poor? 

Molly. Teddy! don't be in such a desperate hurry! 
Why, you've been here only five minutes! Wait until 
you get your breath, and your supper — you may change 
your mind. (r. c.) 

LuTTRELL (XING to Iter). I shall never change my 
mind — never — do you hear, never ! I am going to marry 
you or {Starts to embrace Molly. She ducks un- 
der his arm) 

Molly (xes to table). Help me put these bottles 
away. {Picking up several bottles from table, she loads 
them into Luttrell's arms) You forget all about grand- 
papa, don't you? 

LuTTRELL. No, I dou 't — I was very forcibly reminded 
of him yesterday. (Xes to cupboard, carelessly deposit- 
ing bottles on the closet shelf) 

Molly {at table c). How so? 

LuTTRELL (^0 R. c.) . By meeting Captain Shadwell — 
he is staying here in the neighborhood. That's why I 
came down here — I am not anxious to have Shadwell 
meet you! 

Molly. Meet me! {Laughing) How exactly fool- 
ish you are, Ted — Captain Shadwell doesn't know I am 
in existence. {Winding up the bandage as before, at 
R. side of table) 

LuTTRELL (r. c). Oh, ycs, he does. (Xing to her) 
He knows very well that he has a cousin, Molly Mas- 
serene, and if he meets you — I 'm not taking any chances 
of losing you. {Placing an arm about her) 

Molly. Now don't hug me, Teddy, please don't — not 
yet. Let's save it all for the end. 

LuTTRELL. All right. {Turning aside) Of course 
you know Shadwell is engaged to your cousin, Marcia 
Amherst ? 

Molly. I don't know anything about their affairs. 
(Xes to cupboard with a bottle and bandage) 

LuTTRELL. It's in the newspapers. (Xing to l. c.) 



Molly Bawn 23 

Molly. "What does it matter to us? Grandfather is 
going to give all his money to Marcia and Captain Shad- 
well. Yon know I am disinherited 



LuTTRELL. Poor, dear, sweet little Molly 



Molly {hack of table) . Don't pity me. {Earnestly) 
I do not want to hear even his name spoken, when I re- 
call hoAV hard and cruel he was to my mother 

LuTTRELL {advancing to l. of table), I never quite 
got the straight of the story from John. {Sitting on L. 
edge of table) 

Molly {sits on r. of table). Let me tell you. When 
John Masserene was seven years old, his mother died; 
when he was seventeen, his father had the imprudence to 
run away with the only daughter of a rich man. She 
was my mother, Eleanor Amherst, of Herst-Royal. My 
father was eighteen years her senior, with no money, and 
nothing to recommend him but a handsome face, and a 
big Irish heart that never grew old. Sir William never 
forgave the elopement — not even when mother lay in her 
grave, after four years of married life. In two years 
more, my dear father followed her, leaving me to the 
care of my stepbrother, John. He has been father, 
mother, all the world to me, and together with Letty, his 
wife, and his darling little son, Lovat, we have been a 
very happy family. 

LuTTRELL. An ideal existence, and I know how very 
dear to John the precious circle is. But still — in justice 
to all — you are now a young lady, and it seems only 
fair that Sir William should bury his vindictiveness, and 
grant you a share of his position and wealth — you are 
the only child of his only daughter — perhaps an appeal 
to him now — would not be in vain. 

Molly. It is very good of you to suggest it, Teddy, 
but I am afraid grandfather is hopelessly embittered. 
When I Avas tiny and forlorn, John wrote him several 
times — he treated us Avith silence. We must preserve 
our dignity. Faith, I'm Irish, you know, so we people, 
with the same blood in our veins, remain as far apart 
as though oceans rolled between us. 



24 Molly Bawn 

LuTTRELL (rising). It's a shame, these family dif- 
ferences — I am very Avell acquainted at Herst-Royal, you 
know 

Molly (rising). But you have never heard Sir 
"William inquire for me? (Luttrell turns aside a step 
to l. Molly advances a step) Have you, Teddy? 

LuTTRELL. I am sorry to admit it — grumpy old ras- 
cal. But I know if he could see you, he couldn't resist 
you! 

Molly. That's only your flattering opinion, because 
you are foolish about me. (Laughing) But the gossip 
of the country folk is that my cousin Marcia is to be his 
heiress. 

Luttrell. I fear so — and what heaps of money 
there is! 

Molly. I really would like to have some of it — to re- 
pay John for all I have cost him, and besides, Teddy 

(Advancing) 

Luttrell. Yes, darling. (Taking her liand) 

Molly. John is greatly worried about money matters, 
his business failed last year, and his health is most un- 
certain. Oh, Teddy, Teddy, why aren't you rich, so I 
could marry you? (Leaning her head against his shoul- 
der, half tearfully, and half humorously) 

Luttrell (embracing her). You can, dearest Molly, 
my being poor is no obstacle. 

Molly. Oh, but it is — it is the obstacle. (Braiving 
away) It is my duty to think of some way in which I 
can help John, and faith if I married you, he might have 
both of us on his hands ! (Laughing) 

Luttrell. Never, I swear! I could earn enough to 
keep you. 

Molly. I eat an awful lot, and I love pretty dresses. 

Luttrell. You don't mean to say that you are going 
to chuck me over for the sake of some scoundrel with 
money? (Regarding her with indignation) 

Molly. I did not say that I would ''chuck" you at 
all — neither will I place my hand in yours and say — 
*'For better or worse!'' No — no — no — no! (Whirling 



Molly Bawn 25 

away from him, laugMng) I am sure I could make 
great mountains of money by going on the stage. 

LuTTRELL. The stage! Monstrous! You would for- 
get all about me ! 

Molly. I might. {Turning jj'P to ladder and mount- 
ing the steps) Who knows? If I made a great success 
in London, I might marry an emperor — ^or a prince! 
Sarah says that even a king is not half good enough 
for me! {Taking curtain to arrange it at window) 

LuTTRELL (down l. c, impatiently). Sarah! Bah! 

Molly. You better not let Sarah hear you say that ! 
{Rap is heard at d. c.) Who 's there ? {Rap is repeated) 
Come in. 

ENTER D. c. Captain Philip Shadwell, foUotued hy 
Marcia Amherst. 

Shadwell. I beg your pardon 

Molly. What for? 

Shadwell. Well, I {A laugh of embarrass- 
ment) 

Molly {leaning on ladder, looking at him). Were 
you looking for some one ? 

Shad\\^ll. Yes. 

Molly. Who? 

Shadwell. Miss Eleanor Masserene. 

Molly. That's my name; what's yours? 

Shadwell. Captain Shadwell. 

MohhY {in amazement) . What — are you {Light 

laugh) Faith, I don't believe it ! 

Shadwell. It 's true. This is Mr. Luttrell. 

Molly. I've been introduced to him. 

Shadwell. He will vouch for my identity. {Ad- 
vancing DOWN R. c.) 

Luttrell {frigidly). How do you do. Yes, this is 
Captain Shadwell. {Turning aside to L.) 

Shadwell {to Molly). I am your cousin, and this 
lady is also your cousin — Miss Marcia Amherst. 

Marcia. I hope we are not seriously interfering with 
your housework. {Advancing haughtily down r. c.) 



26 Molly Bawn 

Molly. Faith you're not. Sit down, Captain Shad- 
brook. 

Shadwell. ^hadwell. 

Molly (laugJiing). Oh, I beg your pardon. Sit 
down, Miss Amherst — Teddy, you sit down too — and I '11 
sit down — we'll all sit down. (Molly sits on top step 
of ladder. Luttrell, with a show of impatience, sits 
l. c, facing front. Marcia and Shadwell sit r. c. 
facing Molly) 

Marcia (icily). I am sorry we have put you to the 
trouble of receiving us. 

Molly. My brother John, who is the head of the 
family, is in the kitchen, my sister-in-law is in Liverpool 
on a visit — but if there is anything I can do for you, 
speak out ! 

Shadwell. Our errand concerns you, Miss Mas- 
serene — we have a message from your grandfather — Sir 
William Amherst. 

Luttrell (jumping up). "What! 

Molly. Teddy — sit down and don't explode! 

ENTER John d. r. 

Molly. Here is my brother — John, this is Miss 
Amherst and Captain Shadwell. (John hows, Mar- 
cia hows, and Shadwell rises, howing with extreme 
frigidity) Captain Shadwell has a message from Herst- 
Royal. 

Shadwell (to Molly). At the request of your 
grandfather. Sir William, I came to invite you to Herst- 
Eoyal. 

Molly (in amazement) . What 

Luttrell (quickly, advancing to Molly). Be care- 
ful, Molly, you'll fall! 

Molly. To invite me 

Marcia. To Herst-Royal! 

Molly. Oh, Teddy! (Luttrell catches her as she 
jumps down from ladder) 

John (c. above table), I can't believe it! 



Molly Bawn 27 

Marcia (rises). It is quite true! (Xes to Shad- 
well) 

Molly {quickly down l. and c). Eeally and truly 
true? 

Marcl4. Grandfather is eager to see dear Eleanor, 
and begs that she will accept his invitation; you are to 
come on the twenty-seventh of this month. 

Molly. John — oh, John — what do you say? 

John {with indignation) . Not one word about all the 
neglect that has been showered upon you for eighteen 
years — not one word about your mother, who went to her 
grave even without the knowledge of her unforgiving 
father — ^not a word of sympathy or regret for the silent 

contempt {To Marcia and Shad well) He has 

neither watched her, nor provided for her, nor loved her, 
but now that she has come to perfection he wants to 
claim her! Molly, what do you say? 

Molly. I will not go, not one step ! "What is he to 
me, that stern old man, who, for years, has refused to 
acknowledge me — while you, my darling brother — ^you 
are my all! (Going to John. To Shadwell) You 
may tell Sir William his invitation comes too late ! 

LuTTRELL (up l.). Bully for you, Molly! 

Shadwell (down r. c). One moment, I hope Mr. 
Luttrell, and you, Mr. Masserene, I hope that you will 
not encourage Miss Masserene 's refusal. True, it is 
tardy reparation, but you must remember that Sir 
William was deeply hurt by the action of his daughter — 
this lady's mother. {Indicating Molly) Besides, she 
never really sued for pardon. 

Marcia. Sir William says she was very independent. 
(Down r.) 

Molly. Faith, why shouldn't she be? My father 
was an Irish gentleman, a man with a warm heart and a 
clear conscience — which is more than I can say for grand- 
father. 

John. Don't be disrespectful, Molly dear — however 
unjustly Sir William has behaved, we must remember 
that he is an old man. 



28 Molly Bawn 

Shadwell. He is now past seventy years of age, and 
time has somewhat softened his resentment. He has not 
many more years to live and 

Molly. True — I'm sorry I blamed him — what an- 
swer shall we send ? 

LuTTRELL (down l., quickly) . Molly, you must not 
go! 

Molly {turning to Luttrell). Must not? 

LuTTRELL. No, Molly, I cannot let you go 



John. One moment, Ted, since this has become a 
family affair — are we to understand that you have a 
prior claim to Molly? 

Luttrell. I hope so, with all my heart ! 

Molly (impatiently). No, Teddy, no! How can you 
be so conceited! 

John. You must decide for yourself, Molly. It is 
an important crisis in your life — I want you to choose. 

Molly. Oh dear, don't talk as though I were to be 
carried out and buried alive ! {Tearfully hiding her face 
on John's shoulder) 

Shadwell. Will you permit me a word 1 Sir William 
confidently expects Miss Eleanor to accept his invitation ; 
personally I do not hesitate to say that I believe it will 
be greatly to her advantage ; he is very rich, he may in- 
tend to leave her a legacy. 

John. It would be only just that he should do so. 

Molly {to John.). And then I could repay you — I 
owe you so much 

Marcia. Shall we inform Sir William that you will 
come? 

Molly. It is hard to say, Miss Amherst. 

Marcia. I am your cousin; you must call me Mar- 
cia. 

Molly. And you must call me Molly — everybody 
calls me Molly Bawn. 

Marcia. And you will accept the invitation? 

Molly. 1— {Looking at John. John nods ^'yes** 
and xes to d. r.) I will accept. (Luttrell, wlio has 
'been watching her, turns aside l. with a sigh) 



Molly Bawn 29 

Shadwell. I congratulate you, Miss Eleanor — {Ex- 
tending his hand) I predict a glorious future for you. 

Molly. Thank you, Captain — I shall do my best to 
please grandfather. 

Shadwell. That's a brave little woman — Herst- 
Royal is a beautiful place, and I believe you will be very 
happy there. {Turning up to d. r. with John) 

Marcia, You are to come on the twenty-seventh, re- 
member, and bring your maid. 

Molly. My maid! Teddy, what do you think of 
that? (LuTTRELL does not heed her) I don't think I 
have one, unless it's Sarah! {Laughing) 

Marcia. Then bring Sarah, and be there in four days. 
{Turning up r.) 

Molly. Four days! Oh! however shall I be ready! 
(Down r. c.) 

Shadwell (up r.). Come, Marcia. {To Molly) I 
think Sir William will be delighted at the success of our 
errand. {Bowing to Molly) 

John. I will direct you to the station! [EXIT c. D. 

Shadwell. Thank you. Good-bye — cousin 

Marcia. Good-bye 

Molly. Good-bye (Up d. c.) 

[EXIT Marcia and Shadwell d. c. 

Luttrell {turning to Molly). And what of me? 

Molly. Oh, Teddy, you can help me pack my trunk ! 
Here it is ! (Xes to l., throwing the cover off the trunk) 

Luttrell. What! Molly, you are heartless ! (Xing 
to c.) 

Molly. Oh, Teddy, do be nice! I will ask grand- 
father the very first day to invite you to Herst-Royal, 
because I must have some one to amuse me! {Draw- 
ing the trunk forward and raising lid) 

Luttrell. Amuse you! {Wrathfully) Just as though 
I Avas a hobby horse, or a jumping monkey ! 

Molly. You're not a bit like a jumping monkey, 
Teddy, but you are so unreasonable ! {Throwing articles 
out of trunk, including several pairs of shoes and slip- 
pers, which she tosses recklessly al)out) You ought to 



30 Molly Bawn 

be thankful that I am going to enjoy myself, and get 
acquainted with my aristocratic relatives ! 

LuTTRELL {seated r. c, picks up one of Tier shoes tJiat 
has fallen nearby). Yes, and have them spoil you — even 
more than Sarah spoils you. You'll forget all about me, 
and start a howling flirtation with Shadwell ! 

Molly. ' ' Howling flirtation ! ' ' Teddy Lnttrell ! If 
you cannot trust me more than that, you are not worthy 
of me. "Where is my shoe? (Xing to him) You really 
don't deserve to be allowed to look at me. {Taking shoe 
from him) And you must promise not to forget your 
Molly Bawn. {Arranges articles in trunk) 

NOTE. — While Molly is arranging the articles in the 
trunk she may sing any appropriate song. 



CURTAIN 



Molly Bawn 31 



ACT II 

SCENE. — Four days later at H erst-Royal, the estate of, 
Sir William Amherst. A handsome interior. 
Rugs or a large carpet on floor. Window c. at hack, 
extending to floor, ivith a balustrade outside. Doors 
at R. and l. Mantel and fireplace with fire at r. ; 
arm-chair in front of it. Small table c. ; in front of 
it a divan with a loiv hack. Book and British news- 
papers on tahle. Piano and stool down l. Por- 
tieres on window and doors. Folding screen up l. 
Tete-a-tete r. c. Bell-cord down r. Portrait on r. 
wall. Ornaments on mantel and any other furniture 
desired to give the appearance of a handsome in- 
terior. DISCOVERED Sir William seated in 
arm-chair in front of fireplace, and Shadwell seated 
c. reading newspaper. 

Sir Wm. (draws dressing-gown ahout him, while he 
nervously taps floor with his cane. Glances at Shad- 
well, then speaks in an instated tone) . You are a very 
entertaining companion. Are you going to bury your- 
self in the newspaper all day ? 

Shadwell (looking up). I beg your pardon, Sir 
William, I thought you preferred silence. (Leaving 
paper on divan and rising) 

Sir Wm. You thought! I suppose you find my so- 
ciety less amusing than the gossip of that scandalous 
sheet. 

Shadwell (advancing) . On the contrary, I am will- 
ing to discuss any topic you care to suggest. 

Sir Wm. H'm — how very agreeable you wish to ap- 
pear. Ring that bell, if you please. (Indicates hell- 
cord on flat DOWN r., to which Shadwell xes and rings) 
When did you arrive? 

Shadwell. Last evening about eight o'clock — you 
had retired. (At lower end of fireplace, facing Sir 
William) 



32 Molly Bawri 

Sir Wm. What do you think of that young person 
to whom I sent you? 

Shad WELL. You mean Miss Masserene 1 

Sir Wm. {testily) . Yes, I mean Miss Masserene. 

Shadwell. I was altogether charmed with her, as I 
am sure you will be when you see her. 

Sir Wm. (crustily). Do not take the liberty of de- 
ciding for me. I form my own opinions. I am not 
likely to be ''charmed" with the coquetries of a silly, 
simpering girl. 

Shadwell. You will find Miss Masserene far from 
simpering — she is wholesome, sensible, delightful! 

Sir Wm. {looking at Jiim in surprise) . So! Are you 
engaged to marry Marcia? 

Shadwell {strolling toward c). Oh, yes, I suppose 
we are engaged. 

Sir Wm. Then I advise you to express less admiration 
for my granddaughter, or Marcia is capable of making 
your existence exceedingly unpleasant. 

ENTER D. R. Robert. 

Robert. Did you ring, Sir William? 

Sir Wm. Tell Miss Amherst I wish to see her here 
at once. 

Robert. Yes, Sir William. [EXIT d. r. 

Shadwell. I hope you approve of me 

Sir Wm. As a husband for Marcia, h'm — perhaps — 
as regards Eleanor Masserene — ^we shall see. 

Shadwell. I am inclined to believe that she already 
has a devoted admirer in Tedcastle Luttrell. {To l. c.) 

Sir Wm. {sharply). Luttrell! Eh? Possibly she 
thinks him good looking, fascinating and all that non- 
sense. Does she know that he is guilty of a crime? 

Shadwell {in surprise). A crime? Indeed? 

Sir Wm. He is poor — ^miserably poor ! I detest poor 
people, as I hate rats and vermin ! 

Shadwell. I thought you rather liked Luttrell ? 

Sir Wm.; He is a good-natured young idiot; he can 



Molly Bawn 33 

drive without upsetting the carriage, and he knows how 
to hold his tongue when I am talking. 

ENTER Marcia d. r. 

Marcia. You sent for me, dear grandpapa? (Ad- 
vancing to Si?. Willia?!. Sh/.d\yfll ris3s and turns 
vr c.) 

Sir Wm. (sarcastically). Yes, I sent for you, dear 
grandpapa! And don't dear grandpapa me — I am sick 
of it ! 

Marcia. And I try so hard to please you ! (Sighing) 

Sir Wm. With very poor success. Has your cousin 
arrived ? 

Marcia. You mean Eleanor? 

Sir Wm. (impatiently). Yes, I mean Eleanor; who 
else should I mean? (Rising) Who else should I mean, 
eh? (Thumping the floor sharply with his cane) 

Marcia (down to c). She arrived by the four o'clock 
train 

Sir Wk. Fcur o 'clock, that is nearly half an hour 
ago — why was I not told before? why, why? eh? (Ad- 
vancing DOWN R. c.) 

Marcia. I did not know you were so eager to greet 
her, or I should have ushered her here direct from the 
carriage. (Goes to l. c.) 

Sir Wm. None of your sarcasm, my lady — I know so 
far as you are concerned, Eleanor Masserene is unwel- 
come in this house — but I choose to have her here, and 
I am master ! 

Marcia. It is very hard to be misjudged. If I hesi- 
tated at your suggestion, it was only my solicitude for 
you— your delicate health, and having so many people in 
the house 

Sir Wm. (sharply). I choose to have people in my 
) house — my house ! (Bringing his cane down sharply on 
table c.) If I want to turn this house into a circus, it's 
my privilege — do you hear? my privilege! (Again rap- 
ping table) You cross me in all my wishes 



34 Molly Bawn 

Marcia. Oh, no, indeed, dear grandpapa * 

Sir Wm. (in anger). I say you do! And what I say 
is law! This is what a man gets when he grows old! 
I'm not old, do you hear? (Marcia retreats to hack of 
table c. Shadwell xes to above fireplace R., Sir Wm. 
XING to L. c.) I'm only — only a little past — past fifty, 
that's all, and I intend to enjoy myself as I see fit. Pos- 
sibly you think I am going to die, and leave you all my 
money, eh? 

Marcia. No indeed, grandpapa 

Sir Wm. {sarcastically) . No indeed, grandpapa 



Marcia. I cannot bear to hear you talk like that! 
(Brushing away an imaginary tear with her handker- 
chief) 

Sir Wm. Then don't irritate me. I am a good-na- 
tured man — as long as no one disagrees with me. Who 
else has arrived to enliven this gloomy old house? (Sits 
L. c.) 

Marcia (r. c.) . Lady Cecil Stafford 

Sir Wm. Lady Cecil, h'm — and a wagon load of 
trunks filled with furbelows and trumpery 

Marcia. Lady Cecil is considered one of the best 
dressed wom^en in London — ^ — 

Sir Wm. Well she may be! Look at the amount of 
alimony she draws from poor Stafford ! She is nothing 
but a dressed up doll. 

Marcia (moves to chair at fireplace). Then, Mr. Potts 
is here. 

Sir Wm. Potts — ^brainless Potts! A ninny, avIio 
hasn't sense enough to turn a corner. Who else? 

Marcia. I believe Mr. Luttrell 

Sir Wm. (sharply). You believe? Don't you know — 
what does he want here? (Marcia sits in chair front of 
fireplace) 

ENTER Robert d. e. \ 

Robert (announcing), Mr. LuttreU. 



Molly Bawn 35 

ENTER LuTTRELL D. R. hriskhj, advancing to Sir Wil- 
liam. Shad WELL goes to l. of chair heside Marcia. 
Robert EXITS d. r. 

LuTTRELL. How do you do, Sir William — I hope you 
are better 

Sir Wm. (sharply). Better, sir! Who said I was ill? 
I am Pxever ill — I do not suffer from any of the infirmities 
that go with old age. 

LuTTRELL. I am exceedingly glad to hear it — exceed- 
ingly 

Sir Wm. That will do — don't keep on repeating the 
same word, as though you were reciting a lesson ! (Strik- 
ing floor sharply with his cane) 

LuTTRELL. I beg your pardon! (Laughing) Is 
there anything I can do for you, Sir William ? 

Sir Wm. Yes, sir, give me your arm — — 

LuTTRELL. Certainly, sir. (Assisting him to rise) 

Sir Wm. If I remained seated some of my kind- 
hearted guests might think me decrepit. (Remaining 
L. c.) 

LuTTRELL. Lean on me, Sir William. 

Sir Wm. (sharply). I shall lean on myself. (Draw- 
ing away from Luttrell, who turns to Marcia and 
Shad WELL r.) 

Luttrell. Miss Amherst — Captain Shadwell. (Xing 
to extreme r. Shadwell and Marcia very icily acknowl- 
edging his greeting) 

Robert (at d. r., announcing). Lady Cecil Stafford. 



ENTER Lady Cecil d. r. 

Lady Cecil (advancing, her manner extravagant). 
Dear Sir William, how perfectly delighted I am to see 
you. I hope you are very much better 

Sir Wm. (ivrathftdly) . Madam, my health is perfect, 
perfect ! Far more reliable than your ladyship 's ! 

Lady C. What a pleasure to hear you say so ! Nearly; 



36 ^ Molly Bawn 

every one I know is complaining of the changeable 
weather — especially my elderly acquaintances. 

Sir Wm. Am I to understand, Madam, that you num- 
ber me among your elderly acquaintances ? 

Lady C. Certainly not, Sir William! Why, I can 
imagine you jumping a hurdle ! {Laughing as she turns 
to R. c.) 

Sir Wm. Imagine yourself doing so, but please do not 
connect me with any such clownish conduct. Jumping a 
hurdle ! Bah ! {Steps toivard l.) 

Lady C. {to Marcia r. c). What a frightful old per- 
son! 

Robert {at d. r.). Mr. Potts! 



ENTER Potts d. r. 

Potts {drawling, English fashion). By Jove! how 
are you! Charmed to see you. {Advancing down to- 
ward c. ) I hope you have quite recovered your health ! 

Sir Wm. {an explosion of wrath). Stop, sir! (Potts 
advances down c. hack of table, pauses abruptly, staring 
at Sir William) Hold your tongue! Is this a conspir- 
acy to torment me ? My health! Myhe^llth! Once for 
all let me tell you that I shall live this summer, and next 
winter, and the next, and the next ! 

Potts. By Jove ! what a shock ! 

Sir Wm. I shall outlive you, sir, and all of you ! 

Potts. By Jove! I hope not! 

SirWm. What! 

Potts ( quickly) . I mean, I hope so, by Jove ! 

Sir Wm. {to Potts). What earthly use you are, sir, is 
more than I can understand. It is not in human nature 
to believe that some persons were ever intended for any- 
thing but an encumbrance. (Shad well goes down r.) 

Potts. By Jove! (Xing to Shadwell r.) What a 
shock! How de do, Shadwell! {Shaking his hand lan- 
guidly) 

Robert {at d.k.). Miss Masserene. 



'^Molly Bawn^ "^Sf 

ENTER Molly d. r. She comes in slowly ^ liesUaiingly. 
Sir William betrays some emotion. The others re- 
gard her with interest. 

Sir Wm. Eleanor ! 

Molly. Grandfather ! 

SmViM. (slowly). Eleanor— Masserene 

Molly. May I come to you, grandfather, and take 
your hand? (Advancing a step) 

Sir Wm. ( staring at her) . You are like your mother — 
very like — your mother. {Extending his hand. Molly 
advances and takes his hand) 

Molly. I am glad to see you, grandfather, and I hope 
we shall be good friends. 

Sir Wm. (taking her hand). Do you? 

Molly. Why of course! And please don't stare at 
me all at once, because I expect to be here some time, and 
you will have a chance to get acquainted with me. 

Sir Wm. Indeed ! And suppose I don 't like you ? 

Molly. Oh, but you will! Everybody does! (All 
laugh, Sir William relenting slightly) You can't think 
how nice I am! And I am useful, too. I will read to 
you, and play the piano, and sing the songs you most ad- 
mire ! I '11 even mend your shirts, if they need it ! 

Sir Wm. Are you trying to worm your way into my 
heart? 

Molly. Yes, I am, grandfather — ^we ought to be a 
great deal to each other, you and I. You have so many 
people to love you, but I have so few — only Letty, and 
John, and Lovat, and Sarah — that's the maid — and — 
and — (Glancing around at Luttrell) one other person 
— ^not worth mentioning — (Luttrell turns impatiently 
aside) So I think we should kiss and make up. 
(Abruptly throwing her anus about his neck and kissing 
him, much to his astonishment) There! isn't that nice? 

Marcia (goes to end of sofa). My dear Eleanor, I 
fear Sir William will not approve your impulsiveness. 
(Lady Cecil goes to r. c.) 

Sir Wm. (sharply). Sir William can speak for him-. 



S8' Molly Bawn 

self. (To Molly) Do you know these people? {Indi- 
cating Lady Cecil and Potts) 

Molly. Not all of them, grandfather. 

Sir Wm. Lady Cecil Stafford — {Indicating Lady 
Cecil) my granddaughter. 

Lady C. Charmed — ^perfectly charmed, dear Miss 
Masserene ! 

Molly (xing to Lady Cecil) . Dear Lady Cecil, I like 
you already. 

Sir Wm. Thsit— {Indicating "Pott^) is Potts! 

Potts {advancing to Molly). By Jove! 

Molly. Mr. Potts — have you no Christian name ? 

Potts. Yes — Plantagenet Potts ! 

Molly. Plantagenet Potts ! What a beautiful name ! 

Potts. Isn 't it ? Some of my friends call me Planty ! 

Molly. Planty Potts ! How poetic ! 

Potts. You are — by Jove — English, I suppose ? 

Molly. Faith, no! I'm Irish — Paddy to the back- 
bone! {Laughing as she strikes him vigorously on the 
hack) 

Potts. Oh ! what a shock ! 

Sir Wm. I want to talk to my granddaughter. {To 
Marcia) Invite your friends into the library, or the 
garden — or anywhere you like. 

Potts. Unceremonious, by Jove ! 

LuTTRELL. The garden for me, and a good cigar. 
{Advancing) Will you join me? (Up to d. r.) 

Potts. Thanks, awfully! 

[EXIT LuTTRELL d. r., followcd by Potts 

Lady C. {to Marcia). I feel like a flock of sheep! 
{Advancing to d. r.) Isn't he atrocious? {To Sir Wil- 
liam sweetly) Pray excuse us, dear Sir William. 

Sir Wm. {sharply). With pleasure. Madam, with 
pleasure. [EXIT Lady C. and Shadwell d. r. 

Marcia. I hope you will not fatigue yourself, dear 
grandpapa ? 

Sir Wm. {very sharply). What 's that your business ! 
A man of my age is not easily fatigued! Leave us! 



Molly Bawn 39 

(Marcia, wUK ill-concealed anger, turns to d, r. and ' 
EXITS) 

Molly (down r. c). My, oh, me! How dreadfully 
impolite you are — driving your guests out in that 
brusque fashion! Whatever will they think of you? 
And you don't even treat me with proper courtesy — I 
have been in the room quite five minutes and you have 
not asked me to sit down ! 

Sir Wm. {regarding her sharply). Indeed! H'm! 
I don 't know but I like your rudeness ! 

Molly. Rudeness ! Shame, sir ! 

Sir Wm. Perhaps you think I should call it frankness. 

Molly. Indeed you should! Won't you sit down on 
one of your own chairs, Sir William? (She indicates c.) 

Sir Wm. {advancing to c. divan). H'm — I might as 
well. {Sits on divan c. staring at Molly) 

Molly. Am I anything like what you expected to see ? 
{Sits beside Sir William) 

Sir Wm. No, you are not. I expected to see a shy, 
gawky, pigeon-toed, freckle-faced ninny ! 

Molly. How complimentary! {Laughing) It is 
some comfort to know that you are slightly wrong. 

Sir Wm. Am I like what you expected to find me ? 

Molly. No, Sir William, you are not. I expected to 
find a handsome, amiable, courteous, dear old gentleman ! 

Sir Wm. Which I am not. 

Molly. No — of course I might flatter you 

Sir Wm. You need not. I know myself. Ah ! {Sigh- 
ing) Perhaps you have seen or read Shakespeare's trag- 
edy. King Lear ? Well, I too have had thankless children 
— truly it is ' ' Sharper than a serpent 's sting. ' ' My son, 
Marcia 's father, clandestinely married an obscure woman 
of Italian birth. She is living, but I have forbidden 
Marcia even to write to her. Your mother disobeyed my 
wishes — she married an Irish actor — I never saw her 
afterward — I had no wish to see her. So, these two, only 
son and daughter, defied me; but I punished them — I 
punished them through their children. 

Molly. Have you not punished yourself, grand-* 



40^ Molly Bawii 

father? (Sir William looks at her sharply) Marcia's 
father is dead, both my parents are dead. "What did it 
profit you to quarrel with them ? 

Sir Wm. (impatiently), I did not quarrel with them 
— I never quarrel with any one — they disobeyed me, and 
they had to suffer ! 

Molly. Grandfather, whose picture is that? {Ris- 
ing, advancing toward R., where a picture hangs on the 
wall) 

Sir Wm. Your grandmother, child — Lady Amherst. 

Molly. When you married her, was she the daughter 
of rich and aristocratic parents? 

Sir Wm. No — she was the only child of a poor en- 
gineer 

Molly. And you, Sir William Amherst, baronet, fell 
in love with her ! 

Sir Wm. I loved her, very, very dearly. 

Molly. Did your father and mother approve of her 
as a wife for you ? 

Sir Wm. Zounds! No. How they stoi^med! But 
that did not trouble us! We loved each other — so we 
stole away together and were married, ha, ha ! Our par- 
ents were unreasonable, but we outwitted them! We 
outwitted them, and they forgave us ! 

Molly (sitting beside him). You married the woman 
you loved — ^because she loved you, and you loved her. So 
did my mother, so did Marcia's father, and you let them 
die unf orgiven ! How can you expect us to think kindly 
of you, when you have been so hard, so pitiless, to the 
dead? 

Sir Wm. (wrathfully) . What's this? Are you re- 
proaching me? 

Molly. Yes, grandfather, I am. Youth might be 
some excuse, but a man who has lived so many years, 
nursing enmity so unjust, I am ashamed of him ! 

Sir Wm. You are bold to talk like this to me. (Glar- 
ing at her) I sent for you in the hope of finding you 
docile, obedient, respectful — instead, you are rebellious, 
independent, actually violent I Pray, Miss Masserene, do 



Molly Bawn 41 

you expect me to go down on my knees and ask your for- 
giveness — do you expect to receive any of my money, if 
you criticize and oppose me ? 

Molly (rising). No, Sir "William — I scarcely hoped 
to win your good will — although I came in response to 
your invitation. But since we seem to be so very uncon- 
genial, and you consider me a rude and undesirable 
guest, of course I shall go straight home, where I am 
allowed to do as I please, and where everybody thinks me 
perfection! {Indignantly xing to hell-cord R. a7id giv- 
ing it a vigorous ring) 

Sir Wm. Hoity-toity — ^Miss Spitfire! What are you 
doing there? (Rising) 

Molly (sarcastically). "With your kind permission, I 
shall send word that my trunk is to be sent straight back 
to the station! 

Sir Wm. (wrathfully, waving Jiis cane). You will do 
nothing of the kind — nothing of the kind, do you under- 
stand? Am I to be made an object of ridicule — a thing 
for my guests to laugh at — for the whim of a stubborn, 
spoiled child ! 

Molly (indignantly), I am not a child and I am not 
spoiled — at least, if I am, not by you — Sir William — 
heaven knows! You would never spoil anything — you 
cross, meddling, surly old man! (Stamping her foot) 
I am an amiable girl, and a sweet-tempered girl, but gra- 
cious goodness knows, if I remained in this house over 
night, I should wake up in the morning nothing but an 
irascible, exasperating, snarling cat! 

ENTER Egbert d. r. 

Robert. Did you ring, Sir William? 
Sir Wm. No — you are not wanted 



Molly (quickly). Yes you are — I want you 

Sir Wm. I tell you to go, Robert ! 

Molly. I tell you to stay, Robert! (Catching him 
hy the coat) Have my trunk sent back to the station at 
once! 

B^OBERT (astonished). Bless me ! 



42 Molly Bawn 

Molly. Bless yon — go ! 

Sir Wm. Robert, stay where you are! (Kobert 
pauses) You are to pay no attention to Miss Masserene 's 
instructions 

Robert. Yes, Sir William ! 

Sir Wm. Leave the room ! 

Robert. Yes, Sir William! 

Molly (xing rapidly to Robert) . Robert, Robert, you 
are to obey me 

Sir Wm. {loud tone). Leave the room! 

Robert. Yes, Sir William! [EXIT quickly d. r. 

Molly {indignantly, xes to settee). How dare you! 
Of course if you want to keep my trunk, you may do so, 
but you will never be able to wear my clothes — and I can 
go without them — not without my clothes — I mean with- 
out my trunk! Oh! You Ve made me cry! {Bursting 
into tears, sinking down c. on couch) 

Sir Wm. Stop it, stop it, I say! {Rapping with his 
cane) I will not allow you to cry under my roof ! {To 
R. c.) 

Molly {weeping). What — do — do I ca-care for 
your horrid — old — roof! You dread-dreadful old man! 
{Weeping hysterically) 

Sir Wm. (r. c). Stop it {Loud tone) Do you 

hear? 

Molly. No — I'm deaf! {Weepi7ig loudly) 

Sir Wm. You couldn't yell worse if you were being 
murdered ! 

Molly. Yes, I could! You just try to murder me, 
and I '11 show you. 

Sir Wm. Do you want to go in to dinner with a red 
nose ? 

Molly. I don't care if it's red, or pink, or green — 
everybody will know it 's your wicked fault. 

Sir Wm. What will people say? 

Molly. They'll say you're a monster, and that I am 
an angel ! 

Sir Wm. An angel — ^with a red nose ! You are an in- 
corrigible monkey! (Up r.) 



Molly Bawn 43 

Molly (rising). I'm no more of a monkey tlian you 
are! And if you call me any more names, I'll — I'll 
snatch, off your wig and show everybody that you are 
bald-headed! Do you hear! (Stamping her foot in 
rage) 

Sir Wm. (up r.) • You wilful, ungrateful creature ! I 
wash my hands of all responsibility. You may go back 
to your poverty-stricken home, or go to the old nick if 
you want to — I am done with you forever ! 

[ EXIT D. R. in rage 

Molly (up c). And I am done with you, you dread- 
ful old gentleman! I won't have you for a grandfather 
— I'll get a divorce! It's perfectly disgusting to have 
such relatives! Oh, dear! I wish I was home! (Down 
R. c.) 

ENTER. Shadwell d. l. 

Shadwell. Pardon me, I came for Marcia's book — 
she left it on the table. (Advancing down l.) 

Molly. How can people think of anything so trifling 
as a book when there is so much trouble in the world! 
(At R. of table c.) 

Shadwell (looking at her, in surprise). Why — what 
has happened? 

Molly (picking up a hook from table c). Here is 
your book, and please tell Miss Amherst good-bye for me. 
(Extending book) 

Shadwell (amazed). Good-bye! I don't under- 
stand ? 

Molly. Grandfather and I have nearly come to 
blows! (DowNR. c.) 

Shadwell. Oh, is that all? (Laughing) 

Molly (indignantly) . All ! What more do you want ? 
Would you like to see me stretched out in my own blood, 
and mutilated beyond recognition, and a coroner's in- 
quest ? 

Shadwell. Of course not! (Laughing) 

Molly (indignantly). I believe you would — you 
seem to think it highly amusing. 



44 Molly Bawn 

Shadwell. I admit Sir William is exasperating, and 
I suppose you lost your temper? {Advancing) 

Molly {sharply). You need not suppose anything of 
the kind ! I did not lose my temper. I am always, and, 
under all circumstances, amiability itself. 

Shadwell. Are you quite sure % 

Molly {indignantly). Sir, do you mean to insinuate 
that I have not told the truth? 

Shadwell. By no means, only, under the excitement 
of the moment you may have exaggerated. 

Molly. It would be impossible to exaggerate Sir Wil- 
liam's abominable conduct, or my patience, and sweet- 
ness! Not that it makes any difference, because I am 
going straight home. Good-bye. (Xing rapidly to d. r.) 

Shadwell {quickly). Wait a moment 

Molly. No, I shan't {Her hand on d. r.) 

Shadwell. Please — give me Marcia's book! (Molly 
comes rapidly down to Mm and offers the hook; he 
catches her hy the hand, laughing at the same time) 
What a little firebrand! Come now, let's talk it over. 

Molly. I tell you, I am going — good-bye. {Attempt- 
ing to draw away) 

Shadwell. I refuse to say good-bye. 

Molly. Nevertheless, I am going. {Trying to draw 
away) 

Shadwell. I want to get acquainted with you — in 
fact, I intend we shall be very good friends. 

Molly. It is very charming of you to say so, espe- 
cially to a girl 3^ou consider untruthful and ill-tempered ! 
{Drawing away, wrathfidly throwing hook on tahle) 

Shadwell. On the contrary, I am convinced that it is 
all Sir William's fault. 

Molly. How perfectly sweet of you to say so! {Of- 
fering her hand) Still, I cannot remain where I am not 
wanted, can I? 

Shadwell {retaining her hand). You are wanted— I 
want you to remain here — you know we are cousins 

Molly. Fourth, or fifth, which is it? {To chair R.) 

Shadwell. I shall not answer that heartless remark, 



Molly Bawn 45 

but I want yon to promise me that you will try to think 
of me as having a right to manifest an interest in you, 
and credit me with a sincere wish to help you, and pro- 
mote your welfare. 

Molly (seated r. c). Isn't it a shame that an alto- 
gether terrible old man is going to break up our pleasant 
acquaintance ? 

Shad WELL (xing to her). It is not to be thought of 
for a moment. Put it all down to the eccentricity that 
goes with age. One should forget everything except the 
great fortune at stake. 

Molly. Is Sir William so very rich ? 

Shadwell. Immensely so — he cannot live a great 
while longer, and when he dies his fortune must be di- 
vided between we three — Marcia, you and myself. 

Molly (seriously). Do you think that I will tolerate 
his conduct toward me, his avowed hatred of my dead 
mother, for the sake of inheriting his money ? 

Shadwell. Everybody does so, everywhere. 

Molly. Is that honorable ? 

Shadwell. It is sensible. 

Molly. It is hypocrisy ! 

Shadwell. It is diplomacy. 

MohhY (rising). It is theft I 

Shadwell (rising). My dear little cousin! 

Molly. Theft, I say — obtaining by false pretenses 
that which would never be ours could he read our hearts ! 
(Down r. c.) To pretend affection for a helpless old 
man, merely for the sake of benefiting by his will, all the 
while despising him — that is stealing ! 

Shadwell (c). Your puritanic ideas will not find a 
ready echo in society. (To l. c.) 

Molly (c). Then I do not want to be in society, if 
one must be false and treacherous. I don 't want grand- 
father 's money ; I am going on the stage to earn my liv- 
ing — grandfather hates the stage, so you see he and I 
could never agree. I am going back to brother John — 
and Teddy. 

Shadwell. Teddy ? Ah, that 's Mr. Luttrell, isn 't it ? 



46 Molly Bawn 

Molly. Of course it is — dear old Teddy! He has aJ 
very disagreeable temper, but he is strictly honorable! 

Shad WELL {advancing to her). I do not wish you to 
think that I am less honorable than he. Remember, I 
did not advocate hypocrisy — I only counsel wisdom. 
Think of yourself. Promise me that you will reconsider ? 
(Taking her hand) 

ENTER LuTTRELL quickly from d. r. 

LuTTRELL (surprised and displeased). I beg your 
pardon. (Advancing and glaring at Molly) 

Molly. Oh, Teddy, I'm so glad you came! (Dr aw- 
ing away from Shad well) 

JjVttweiAa (sharply) . Really! I am surprised to hear 
it! (Xes rapidly to tahle c. facing Shadwell) Miss 
Amherst is waiting for her book ! 

Shadw^ell. True, I had forgotten all about it. (At 
L. of table, picking up book) You see, Miss Molly, the 
effect of your spell. Will you excuse me ? 

Luttrell (up c, sharply). I will endeavor to enter- 
tain Miss Masserene in your absence! (Xes to d. l., 
throwing it open) 

Shadwell. Thank you. (Leisurely strolling up to 

D. L.) 

Molly (down r. c). Au revoir, Captain. 

Shadwell. Au revoir, cousin! Don't forget our 
agreement! (Humming a snatch of song, he slowly 
EXITS D. L. Luttrell, in a rage, closes the door after 
him with a bang) 

Molly. Teddy ! 

Luttrell (advancing down c, wrathfully). Teddy! 
Oh, you 're a hummer ! 

Molly. A hummer ! What's a hummer ? 

Luttrell. By Jove, you're not losing any time! 
What does this mean? 

Molly (r, c, sweetly). What does what mean, Teddy 
dear! 



Molly Bawn 47 

LuTTRELL {wratJifully) , You have been in this house 
less than two hours and you are already engaged in a 
scandalous — shameful flirtation 

Molly. Teddy, dear ! 

LuTTRELL. Don't Teddy dear me — I repeat a scandal- 
ous flirtation with a man you had never seen until two 
weeks ago — a perfect stranger! 

Molly. He's not a perfect stranger — he's my fifth 
cousin! (r.) 

LuTTRELL. Fifth fiddlestick! {Advancing to Tier) 
Why was he holding your hand? 

Molly. Was he? {Laughing, retreating around 
table) Oh, Teddy, how you terrify me ! You will never 
go to heaven, if you frown like that! {Around to l. of 
taUe) 

LuTTRELL {facing Jier), Answer me this — what did 
he mean by, *'Will you reconsider," and ''Don't forget 
your agreement ' ' ? Answer me ! 

Molly (goes down to end of divan). Oh, Teddy, 
you 're j ealous ! ( Laughing ) 

Luttrell. Yes I am — and you know why — yet you 
persist in torturing me. 

Molly {onock seriousness). Under those distressing 
circumstances, I will condescend to explain, because the 
explanation is sure to make you even more unhappy. 
Grandfather and I have had a dreadful quarrel. Philip 
— that is. Captain Shadwell, — came in and found me 
weeping just as hard as ever I could, and when I told him 
I was going straight home, he advised me to pacify grand- 
father and remain, for the sake of the money. But you 
know, Teddy, I perfectly detest anything so mean ! 

Luttrell. Is that all? 

Molly. Honor bright — hope to die! {Grossing Tier 
heart) 

Luttrell {much relieve'd). And you will go back to 
Rosedale? 

Molly. This very day 

Luttrell (c). You darling! {Embracing her) 
You're the sweetest, loveliest and most angelic girl in thei 



4S Molly Bawn ] 

world! And to think that I ever suspected you of 
fickleness ! 

Molly (c). It was very wrong of you, Teddy, and I 
don't think I shall forgive you for at least — five minutes ! | 

LuTTRELL. Dear little Molly ! Will you let me put a ] 
ring on this finger — {Taking her left Jiaiid) — and pro- | 
claim you mine ? ^ 

Molly. Oh, let's wait until next week! '\ 

LuTTRELL. But it scems so unsatisfactory — I don't j 
feel that I really own you, unless we are publicly en- ; 
gaged. I 

Molly (l. c). Teddy, what can I say? \ 

LuTTRELL. Say ' Ves," dearest Molly. (Xing to her) i 

Molly. Suppose you don't really love me as much as ] 
you think you do ? 1 

LuTTRELL. I wish I could make you understand the \ 
full strength of my love for you. \ 

Molly. Then I suppose it must be ^'yes.'' i 

LuTTRELL. Molly! {Taking her hand) Are we \ 
really engaged? : 

Molly. Of course we are; doesn't it seem funny? I 
{Laughing) ] 

LuTTRELL. It seems very serious and beautiful. Will \ 
you kiss me ? : 

Molly. No, I think not. I never in all my life kissed ! 
any man, except Brother John, and I don't believe I \ 
should like it. If I can't be engaged without kissing you, i 
1 don 't want to be engaged at all. ] 

LuTTRELL. As you wish, Molly. {Turning slightly \ 
aside) ] 

Molly. Do all women kiss the men they promise to j 
marry ? ; 

LuTTRELL. All women kiss the men they love ! ] 

Molly {laughing). Isn't that funny! (Luttrell i 
XES to R. c.) Now you're cross with me? {Advancing i 
to c.) i 

Luttrell {sadly). What does it matter? I do not I 
expect to force you to love me. i 



"Molly Bawn 49 

Molly. I never saw any one so obstinate ! I've said 
3^es, and I Ve said — I We said I love you 

LuTTRELL (goes to MoLLY, c. Quickly) . I didn't 
hear you say so. 

Molly. I said it under my breath — do you expect me 
to yell it at the top of my voice ? Shame, Teddy ! Since 
you insist, you may kiss me, but only once — right there ! 
(Indicating deliberately on her cheek) 

LuTTRELL. Not agaiust your will. 

Molly. It's not against my will 



LuTTRELL (turning quickly to her). Molly 

Molly. You tiresome boy! Kiss me instantly, or I 
shall marry Captain Shadwell ! 

LuTTRELL (kisses her). Now you are my own little 
Molly. (Embracing her) 

Molly. Not yet, sir. I demand the badge of my 
slavery. (Extending her left hand) "Where's the ring? 

LuTTRELL (draws smaU jewel box from his pocket). 
Open it and see for yourself. I hope it will please you. 
(Giving her jewel case) 

Molly. Is it really (Opening case) Oh, Teddy ! 

It cannot be for me ! (Greatly pleased) It is too beau- 
tiful — ^lovely — Oh, Teddy — how good of you — you dar- 
ling (Throwing her aryns about his neck and kiss- 
ing him) You dearest boy! Put it on my finger — 
there — Oh! (Luttrell places ring on her finger) 
What a perfect fit ! However did you guess ! Oh ! 

Luttrell. I 'm glad you like it 

Molly. Like it! Oh, Teddy! You angel! (Again 
embracing him, then xing to l. c. surveying the ring on 
her finger, with delight) See it sparkle, Teddy — like 
fire! However did you know the kind of a ring I 
wanted? (Luttrell laughs) It must have cost a small 
fortune — I would thank you, dearest, only I can't think 
of the right words ! I never had a ring before in all my 
life — except a very old one belonging to my mother. 
Thank you, Teddy, a thousand, thousand times ! 

Luttrell. I am amply repaid since you are pleased. 

Molly. Pleased ! I think it is actually wicked of me 



5D Molly Bawn 






to be so glad. {Seriously) Teddy, we belong to each 
other now, don't we? 

LuTTRELL. Yes, Molly — an engagement is binding — 
it 's like a contract 

MoLLYo Oh, Teddy, don't be so business like. 

LuTTRELL. We belong to each other. Eemember, and 
— no flirting ! 

Molly. Who is there to flirt with at Eosedale? 

LuTTRELL. True, you are going home, and I am glad \ 
of it, for there I shall not be afraid of losing you. i 

Molly. I want to go instantly, Teddy, and as it is a :; 
very long walk to the station, perhaps they may loan us ^ 
a carriage — if grandfather has not given orders to the ] 
contrary ! ] 

LuTTRELL. He's not quite an ogre. I'll go and tell | 
Martin, the coachman — there's a train in about forty I 
mintes. {Looking at Ms watch) Can you be ready ? i 

Molly. I am ready now. I shall sit here until you \ 
come for me — and not think of venturing out of this \ 
room. j 

LuTTRELL {to D. R.). I'll be back within ten minutes. | 
If Shadwell comes in, show him your ring! [EXIT d. r. \ 

Molly. Dearest Teddy ! {Throwing a hiss after Mm) k 
Oh my ! how strange it seems to belong to some one else ! ] 
I suppose it's the same with little calves and chickens \ 
when they're sold at auction ! But that is a darling ring I \ 
{Kissing the ring) I really wonder just how much it j 
cost ! Anyway, Teddy must love me enormously to i 
spend so much money on one little ring. (Shadwell j 
and Marcia heard outside d. l. Molly draivs chair from \ 
L. c. within screen and remains hack of screen) j 

ENTER Marcia d. l., followed hy Shadwell. Marcia j 
XES toward window c, while Shadwell remains J 
near d. l. As Marcia nears the window, Sir Wil- | 
liam's voice is heard,' harsh and loud, outside win- 1 
dow. ] 

Sir Wm. {outside). Wheel slowly, yon idiot! Do 1 

you think I am a wooden hulk that you can run over i 



Molly Bawn 51 

stones and jostle me like a wlieelbarrow ? Slowly, I say, 
slowly ! 

Marcia {looking througli window). There he goes, 
seated in his armchair, up and down, up and down with 
irritating slowness — so it is every day. {Advancing 
DOWN c.) The same pose — his head bent upon his chest, 
his fierce eyes roving to and fro. 

Shad WELL {advancing) . He reminds me of an Egyp- 
tian mummy, frozen and toothless. (Down l. c.) 

Marwa (down c, Utterly). He ought to die! {At 
table c. looking steadily at Shadwell l. of table. Molly, 
hack of screen, motionless, listens) 

Shadwell. Die? Yes, of course. But old gentle- 
men of unlimited means and hungry heirs live forever. 

Marcla. He has lived long enough. Who cares for 
him ? Of what use is he 1 What good does he do in each 
twenty-four hours'? He is keeping us from enjoying 
what rightly belongs to you and me. 

Shadwell. You forget Molly. 

Marcl\. No, I do not forget her ; in spite of Sir Wil- 
liam 's bitterness toward her mother, that mother was his 
favorite daughter. If Molly remains here, with her 
tricky, artful schemes, she may succeed in getting the old 
man to alter his will in her favor. 

Shadwell. I do not think it likely 

Marcl4. More unlikely things have happened. The 
will now stands in our favor. But should Sir William 
repent of his conduct toward his dead daughter — what 
will become of us? {To r.) 

Shadwell (xes to front of sofa). Even if this hap- 
pens, he will not entirely disown you and me. 

Marcia. I will not share the money with any one, ex- 
cept you ! I have given the best years of my life to car- 
ing for this irritable creature; I have borne his slights 
and insults, only because I expected to be well repaid 
when he is dead. Do you think I am going to be cheated 

now — and by this country girl — no {Advancing) 

Philip — rather than that 

Shadwell (quickly), Marcia, what do you mean? 



52 Molly Bawn 

Marcia. How frail he is! yet how he lives! And I 
help him live — I am the rope to which he clings. At 
night, when sleep comes over him, it is my duty to rouse 
him and give him the medicine that prolongs his life, 
(Advancing to Shad well) If — if I should forget — his 
dreams would end in — death! 

SiiADWELL. Marcia! Great God! Would you kill 
him! 

Marcia {quickly). No — I might only — forget! Then 
everything would be ours! 

Shadwell. Horrible- 

Marcia. Philip 

Shadwell. You have said enough — I have found you 
out 

Marcia {close to Mm). You shrink from me — are you 
sure you have not wished him dead ? 

Shadwell. I have wished it, but I would not kill 
him! 

Marcia. Hypocrite! You are as much sinner as I 
am ! I speak aloud, while you whisper the same thought 
in your heart! 

Shadwell. Do not speak of this again — I am done 
with you. (Xing to r.) 

Marcia (xes to Shadwell. Quickly). Philip, you 
will not cast me oif — I have only spoken — I have not com- 
mitted the deed. 

Shadwell. It is but a step — I could never trust you 
again. {Back of table) 

Marcia {advancing to table). Don't say that — you 
should be the last to condemn me — for if I dreamed of 
sin, it is for your sake 

Shadwell. Stop, Marcia 



Marcia. I want you to have wealth — position 

Shadwell. At such a price 

Marcia {vehemently) . At any price — I want to share 
them with you 

Shadwell. I tell you, no (Up toward l.) 

Marcia {quickly, toward r. corner of table). If you 
believe I am wrong, we will forget all that I have said — 



Molly Bawn 53 

it shall be as if never spoken — Philip — promise to for- 
get 

Shadwell. I could never look at you again without 
loathing — I could never trust you — I cannot even bear to 
think of you {Qii^ickly to d. l.) 

Marcia. Do you mean — Philip — do you mean that all 
is over between us? 

Shadwell. That is what I mean ! 

[EXIT quickly d. l. 

Marcia. Oh! {To r. c.) He casts me off! Then 
every impulse but hatred dies in my heart ! 

Molly {advances from heliind screen, facing Marcia 
ivith horror. Marcia tui^ns quickly^ sees Molly). You 
wicked, wicked woman! 

Marcia ( glaring at Molly) . You ! — were you hiding ? 

Molly. I heard every word you said ! 

ENTER Luttrell quickly d. r. 

Luttrell. Come, Molly, I will drive you to the sta- 
tion 

Molly {steadily looking at Marcia). I have changed 
my mind. 

Luttrell. "What 

Molly. I must remain here to save Sir William 's life ! 

CUETAIN 



ACT III 

SCENE.— /S'ame as Act II. Three weeks later. The 
screen used in Act II has been removed. DISCOV- 
ERED Marcia seated near window up c. reading a 
hook. 

ENTER Robert d. k., carrying three letters. 

Marcia {looking up fromMok), What do you want, 
Robert? 



64 Molly Bawfi 

Egbert. I thought Miss Masserene had returned. 
Here is a letter for her — I should say, two letters. 

Marcia. Leave them on the table. {Indicating ta- 
Ue c.) 

Robert. Yes, Madam. {Placing two letters on table) 

Margia. Who is the other letter for ? 

Egbert {turning toward Marcia). It is for Sir Wil- 
liam. 

Marcia. He is sleeping. {Rising) You may leave 
it with me — I will give it to him when he awakes. {Ad- 
vancing to c, extending hand) 

Egbert (gges dgwn r. c. ; hesitating). Sir William 
gave me strict orders to deliver all letters to him per- 
sonally. 

Marcia. When did he tell you that ? 

Egbert. Only last night. 

Marcia. Why should he give you such a strang(\ 
order ? 

Egbert. Sir William thinks that certain letters have 
— gone astray. 

Marcia. Poor dear Sir William! He is really be^ 
coming childish! Such odd fancies. (Xing to Egbert) 
Haven't you noticed it, Eobert? 

Egbert. I cannot say I have! On the contrary, he 
seems greatly improved in health, much brighter, and 
much more — ahem ! — amiable ! 

Marcia. He appears to have improved. In reality, 
he is much weaker — less able to bear the annoyance of 
business cares. That is why I relieve him of all such 
matters; so you may give me the letter, and I will see 
that it is properly delivered to him. {Reaching her hand 
for letter) 

Egbert. I fear Sir William will be greatly displeased, 
and excitement is not good for him. {Turning to d. r.) 
If you will permit me, Madam, I will obey Sir William 's 
orders. 

Marcia {intercepting him at d. r.). You must not 
give him any letters until I have first learned who the 
correspondent is. Let me look at the envelope. (Eob- 



Molly Bawn 65 

( teRT reluctantly Jiands her the letter) Well, are you 
afraid to let me look at it? (Bell rings outside R. 
, sharply) 

Robert (nervously). There is Sir William's bell — he 
is awake. 

Marcia (looking at letter). From his solicitor, Mr. 
; Blake — as I feared — they shall not annoy him with irri- 
tating legal affairs. (Turning toward fireplace R.) He 
must not receive such correspondence. (Bell rings again 
sharply, outside) 

Robert (goes to Marcia. Anxiously). Sir William 
is ringing. Madam — will you give me the letter? 

Marcm. No! You cannot have this letter. Go, an- 
swer the bell — I forbid you to mention this letter to Sir 
William. 

Robert. Obedience is the first duty of a servant. Sir 
William is my employer. I shall do my duty to him. 
(Boivs) [EXIT D. R. 

Marcia. Much good it will do you — for the letter will 
have ceased to exist. (Tearing letter into hits, and 
throwing it in fireplace) He shall not change that will, 
while I live to prevent it. (Goes up stage) 

ENTER D. L. Lady Cecil. 

Lady C. Oh, IVe had the most delightful drive! 
(Advancing down l. c.) 

Marcia. Lideed? (Advancing dow^ vt. c.) 

Lady C. It is a pity you didn't go with us, Marcia. 

Marcia. I had a headache 

Lady C. I'm sure the drive would have chased it 
away. (Removing hat, and laying it on table) When- 
ever I feel a headache approaching, or a case of the blue 
devils, I send instantly for Molly; that girl is a better 
cure than any ten doctors of my acquaintance. 

Marcia. I do not admire her boisterous style. 
., Lady C. Boisterous! Why, I think her smile would 
ciiarm the sphinx, and her hearty laugh jingles in one's 
ears like the chimes on Christmas morning. 

Marcia (sits c). Did Philip accompany you? 



56 Molly Bawn 

Lady C. Yes indeed; lie is absolutely devoted to 
Molly 

Marcia. Oh, Cecil! that girl is robbing me! (Bows 
head) 

Lady C. (xing to Marcia). My poor Marcia! I am 
afraid the love is all on one side ; it may sound harsh to 
say this, but isn't it better to acknowledge the truth to 
oneself? I know how dearly you love Philip, but if he 
does not appreciate your devotion, why waste your affec- 
tion upon him ? There are so many other men — and they 
are not difficult to capture, especially when one is likely 
to inherit Sir William's fortune. 

Marcia. But I sincerely love Philip. I am not very 
affectionate — people callme cold and proud, so I am to 
all but him. Without him, life would be a tragedy. 

Lady C. Nonsense. There are as good fish in the sea 
as ever swallowed a bait. {Sits c.) 

Marcia. I do not want to catch them. If only grand- 
father had not brought this girl here ! 

Lady C. I don't really believe she cares a snap of her 
fingers for Philip — she only flirts with him to amuse her- 
self. 

Marcia. And make me miserable. (Rising) If only 
we could get rid of her ! Cecil, you know as well as I do, 
that she is dangerous ! 

Lady C. Dangerous! Dear me! What a strong 
word ! 

Marcia {sits beside Lady Cecil. Earnestly). Look 
what she has accomplished in three brief weeks! 

Lady C. Marvelous! She has changed Sir William 
from an irritable, sarcastic, impossible bear into a smil- 
ing, polite and altogether genial host. 

Marcia. She has taken my place by his side — I am 
not permitted even to give him his medicine — she has 
coaxed him into allowing her to give a party, here, in this 
very house — where there has been no dancing and music 
in twenty years. She has won the love of the servants, 
and she has brought Philip Shadwell a slave to her feet. 
{Rising) That — I can never forgive. 



Molly Bawn 57 

Lady C. All that you say is true, and much of it is to 
Molly's credit. 

Marcia. She has robbed me of Philip 's love ! 

Lady C. When you accuse her of robbing you of 
Philip 's love, are you quite sure that she has done this ? 

Marcia. Was he not devoted to me before she came 
here? I do not believe he ever thought of another 
woman, much less paid her such attention as he gives this 
girl! (ToL.) 

Lady C. (rising). Why don't you go to her — woman 
to woman — and tell her that she is causing you a great 
deal of misery? Believe me, Molly is not heartless, and 
she knows right from Avrong. If she has robbed you of 
Philip's love, then accuse her to her face! 

Marcia (goes to Lady C). She has, she has! 

Lady C. I would be very certain, of that, Marcia, be- 
cause, while Molly can -puvr like a kitten, I think she can 
also scratch like a cat. {To r.) 

Marcia {follows Lady Cecil). I mean to settle Avith 
h^r to-night. I cannot bear this torture any longer. 
(Molly and Sir William lieard laughing outside l.) 

Lady C. Here she comes. 

Marcia {Jiastily). Not a word before Sir William. 

ENTER D. L. Molly and Sir William. He leans on 
Molly's arm; hoth are laugJiing merrily. 

Molly. Now, isn't that a funny story? I knew it 
would make you laugh! {LaugJiing) 

Sir Wm. Very funny indeed! {Laughing) 

Lady C. Dear Sir William ! 

Sir Wm. Dear Lady Cecil ! {Bowing to her) How 
charming your lad^^ship is looking to-day! {Looking at 
Marcia) Marcia. (Marcia xes to c.) 

Molly {leads Sir William to seat c). I know ever so 
many more Irish stories — father used to tell them to us 
by th e y a r d ! ( iMughing ) 

Sir Wm. Ah, ha, it takes an Irishman to humor real 
wit ! If you have any Irish people among your acquaint- 
ances, you may invite them to the party! 



68 Molly Bawn 

Molly {clapping her hands in delight). Oh, grand- 
father, may I really? 

Sir Wm. Certainly ; why not ? ( Sits c. ) 

Ladt C. (down r. c). It really delights ns, Sir Wil- 
liam, to see you in such excellent spirits. (Molly goes 
UP to hack of table) 

Sir Wm. My dear Lady Cecil, I never felt so well in 
all my life. Your ladyship is looking blooming. 

Lady C. Oh, Sir William ! I 'm afraid that 's flattery ! 
I must dress for dinner ; will you excuse me ? 

Sir Wm. {rising, bowing to her). Madam, with much 
regret. 

Lady C. Sir William! {Bows and turns toward d. r. 
Sir William hows elaborately) Marcia, are you coming? 

Marcia. Presently. [EXIT Lady Cecil d.r. 

Sir Wm. {resumes his seat c). You may go, Marcia. 
(Molly goes r. of Sir William) 

Marcia {advancing a step toward him). Is there any- 
thing I can do for you, dear grandpapa ? 

Sir Wm. {irritably). Haven't I told you, Marcia, not 
to dear grandpapa me? Why don't you have some dig- 
nity, like — Eleanor ? Call me grandfather — grandpapa ! 
—as though I were only forty or forty-five years old. 
I'm a man of years — I am seventy-three years old — don't 
treat me as if I were a young booby of thirty ! Remem- 
ber that. 

Marcia. I shall try to do so, grandfather. Won't 
you sit over here? {Indicating l. c.) This chair is more 
comfortable. 

Sir Wm. How do I know it is? Don't fidget so, 
Marcia. Bye the bye, what has become of the screen that 
used to stand over there ? {Indicating l.) 

Marcia {looking at Molly). I — I had it removed; I 
thought it did not harmonize with the furniture. 

Molly. Do have it brought back, grandfather! It 
is so convenient to hide behind. {Looking at Marcia). 

Marcia. Hiding and listening to conversations that 
are not meant to be overheard is not a strictly honorable 
amusement. 



Molly Bawn 59' 

Molly. I should not call it an amusement to threaten 
the life of some one else! (Laying Jier hand on Sir 
William's shoulder) 

Sir Wm. (looking from one to the other). Hello! 
Have you two girls been quarreling? Now, Miss Molly, 
have you been listening to Marcia 's billing and cooing ? 

Molly. Not exactly, grandfather, but I promise never 
to eavesdrop again, because I am sure Marcia Y>^ill be 
more cautious in the future. 

MARCL4. One cannot be too cautious in the presence 
of people one cannot trust ! (Looking at Molly) 

Sir Wm. Now, now, I will not have this bickering. 
What is the use of embittering our lives with sharp words 
and anger ? You see how good-natured I am ! I am an 
example! If there were more people like me in the 
world, what a very pleasant place it would be to live in ! 

Marcia. Shall I bring your medicine here, grand- 
father? 

Molly. I will give Sir William his medicine. 

Marcia. You are quite certain I can do nothing for 
you? 

Sir Wm. No, — you may go. 

Marcl\ (turns toward d. l.). If you want me, I will 
come to you immediately. [EXIT d. l. 

Sir Wm. Close the door, Marcia, and don't listen at 
the keyhole. 

Molly. Oh, grandfather! (Laugh) Marcia will be 
mortally offended! 

Sir Wm. Marcia irritates me. (Laying his hand on 
Molly's) Ah, Molly, if you had not come here — I think 
Marcia might have had me in my grave. 

Molly (with a sharp outcry). Grandfather! 

Sir Wm. What's the matter, child? 

Molly. You frightened me ! 

Sir Wm. You don't want to think of me dying, do 
you? 

Molly. No, no — ^not for many years 

Sir Wm. (patting her hand as she resumes her seat) . 



60 Molly Bawn 

That 's a good child. Now listen to me ; when I quarreled 
with your mother and father, I cut them out of my will ; 
but I'm sorry for that, I'm sorry. (Sadly) Poor 
Eleanor ! She must have endured great deprivation. 

Molly. We did ; sometimes we suffered. 

Sir Wm. My poor child ; I must try to make it up to 
you. I have sent for my solicitor, Mr. Blake. I am 
going to change my will, and remember you handsomely, 
very handsomely. 

Molly (earnestly), I do not wish you to think that 
I want your love only for the sake of also winning your 
money. I do love you, grandfather — (An arm about 
Ms neck) you are the father of my darling mother — oh ! 
I don't see how you could treat her as you did; she was 
so good — so self-sacrificing. She taught me to pray for 
you, when I was a wee tiny child — when I could scarcely 
lisp the words — '*God bless grandfather and preserve 
him in health." (Rising, turning a step to R. Sir 
William much affected) Her life was so sad — so un- 
justly sad ; we can never make that up, grandfather, no 
matter how bitterly we regret. It is buried with her, in 
her grave. (Bowing her face in her hands, weeping) 

Sir Wm. (solemnly). Eleanor. (MohLY advances to 
him, kneeling beside him r.) How you remind me of 
her! It seems as if she stood before me. She was my 
only daughter, yet she was the one to thwart me most. 
I did not forgive. I left her to pine for the luxuries to 
which she had been accustomed. I let her wear her 
heart out, waiting for pardon, and now she is dead! I 
cannot tell her she is pardoned, nor can I beg for her 
forgiveness. 

Molly. Dear grandfather, she did forgive — she had 
not a single bitter thought of you. (Kneeling) 

Sir Wm. Eleanor, it is I who should kneel to you, 
since she is gone forever. I ask forgiveness of you, her 
child. I will make any atonement in my power, just to 
hear you say, *' Grandfather, in mother's name, I for- 
give you ! ' ' 

Molly. In her name, I forgive you. 



Molly Bawn 61 

I Sir Wm. (brokenly). God bless you, child 1 God 
[less you ! (Molly rises and turns r., pausing a moment ) 

ENTER Robert d. r. 

Robert. Sir William. 

Sir Wm. What is it, Robert? 

Robert. Mr. Blake is in the library. 

Sir Wm. I will see him immediately. (Rising. To 
Molly) Mr. Blake is my solicitor — I expected him. 
Robert, your arm. (Turning up, meeting Robert, who 
advances) Ah, I am not so young as I was — but I know 
what I want — justice — justice shall be done. (Molly 
on the other side of him, accompanies him to d. r.) 

Molly. It has been done, grandfather. Thank you, 
thank you from my heart. (Kissing his hand. EXIT 
Sir William and Robert d. r. Sighing) Oh, dear! 
What a dreadfully melancholy ending to a pleasant after- 
noon! (Advances down to table c.) If I only had 
Teddy to quarrel with! It does brighten one up so to 
have a good row! (Seeing letters on table, picks them 
up) Now, who's this from? (Scanning envelope) It 
looks like — ;yes — it is — Teddy's writing! Teddy! who 
went away never to come back! (Hastily opens letter) 
At least he swore he never would! Now I suppose he 
wants all his presents returned. Well, he '11 not get them. 

ENTER quickly d. l. Luttrell. 
Luttrell. Molly 



Molly. Oh ! great grief ! Where did you come from ? 

Luttrell (advancing quickly). Prom London! 
j Molly. What brought you here? 

Luttrell. An express Oh, Molly, Molly 

[Advancing) 

Molly (retreating). Don't come near me — I just re- 
ceived your letter — I wasn't going to read it 

^ Luttrell. You opened it (Indicating letter) 

Molly. I hadn 't the least idea who it was from, 
{Looking at it sideways) 



62 Molly Bawn 

LuTTRELL. Don't botlier to read it — throw your armji 
around my neck and say you're glad to see me! 

Molly. I shall do nothing of the sort. 

LuTTRELL. You cive glad 

Molly, No, I 'm not. It was exceedingly rude of you) 
to burst in here without rapping. How did you know 
I was here, and — alone 1 

LuTTRELL. That's just why I burst in — ^thinking I 
might catch you 

Molly. Catch me ! 

LUTTRELL. With Captain Shadwell! 

Molly. How dare you ! 

Luttrell. Oh, I've heard all about your flirtation 
with him — that 's what brought me down here. 

Molly. Please to remember that we are no longer 
engaged. Look there! {SJio wing her left liand, wifhout 
the ring) 

Luttrell. Oh, I didn't expect to see my ring on your 
finger — but I'll bet it's in your pocket. 

Molly. I have no pocket. 

Luttrell. Now see here, Molly, I'm not going to be 
thrown over. You belong to me just as much as if you 
had seventeen rings on every finger, both thumbs and 
every toe of your dear little foot — I mean feet. Under- 
stand, I mean what I say. 

Molly. Then you are not consistent, because when 
you went away three weeks ago, you swore you would 
never come back, never think of me, and never, never 
speak to me again ! 

Luttrell. I didn't mean that. But you refused to 
explain why you so suddenly changed your mind and 
decided to remain here. 

Molly. I couldn't tell you. 

Luttrell. Could, but wouldn't. 

Molly (downl. c). Honestly, couldn't. 

Luttrell. Let me see those hands. (Xing, taldng 
her hands) Bare! Then you haven't promised to 
marry Captain Shadwell t 



Molly Bawn 63 

Molly. Not yet, but there's no telling what may 
lappen. (Sighing) 

LuTTRELL. Where is your ring ? 

Molly. I threw it away, long ago I 

LuTTRELL. Threw it away ! ( Taking hold of a chain 
•about her neck; the ring is attached to chain) What's 
this? 

Molly. Teddy! {Throwing her arms about his 
neck) 

LuTTRELL. You dear little story teller! (Embrace) 

ENTER Potts d. l. 

Potts. By Jove! (Pausing, gazing at Molly and 
LvTTREhij, who break away quickly) What a shock! I 
beg pardon! (Molly xes to R.) 

LuTTRELL (exasperated). Oh, confound you ! (Xinq 
to R. end of table) What do you want here? 

Potts. I just dropped in. 

LuTTRELL. You Can just drop out again. 

Potts. Now don't be rude. (Advancing down l, c.) 

LuTTRELL. We'll excuse you. 

Potts. I'm in no hurry. (Sits in chair l. c. Lut- 
TRELL XES impatiently to Molly r. c.) 

Molly. I am very sorry you came in, Mr. Potts. 
(Xing toward Potts) 

Potts. It was — a shock ! The doctor says shocks are 
bad for my nerves, but I tell him he's a frump, because 
every time I experience a shock I gain three pounds ! I 
do, really! 

Molly. If you continue to gain at the rate of three 
pounds for every shock, I am afraid that by to-morrow 
(morning you may not be able to crowd through the door- 
way. I don't want to be responsible for such an awful 
result, so we'll leave you as you are. Come, Ted. 
(Running toward d. l.) Do hurry. (Luttrell xes 
quickly to D. L.) Hurry, or Mr. Potts may swell up and 
3urst ! [EXIT d. l. Molly and Luttrell, laughing 

Potts (xes c. and turns, looking around after them). 
By Jove I Really! {Tapping his arm, and^ shoxdders)^ 



64" Molly Bawn 

I think I lost that time. Can it be she does not love me'ti 
By Jove, that would be a shock ! 

ENTER Shadwell d. r. 

Shadwell. My dear Potts 

Potts. My dear Shadwell 



Shadwell {advancing c.)« What's the matter? 
You look upset. 

Potts. I am. 

Shadwell. Indeed? Ill ring for something. (A 
step toward R.) 

Potts. Not a drop! {Fervently) Oh, Shadwell, 
Shadwell! 

Shadwell. "What in the name of heaven is the matter 
with you? {Advancing l.) 

Potts. I 'm in love ! 

Shadwell. I thought so — with Lady Cecil? 

Potts. By Jove 1 no ! with Miss Masserene ! 

Shadwell {sharply). Miss Masserene? 

Potts. She is the loveliest creature I ever saw — ^like 
''renus, or — ^Minerva, or — or — what's her name? 

Shadwell. I'm sure I don't know. {To extreme R.) 

Potts. She's lovelier than any goddess on earth ! 

Shadwell. There are no goddesses on earth — they 
are all in mythology. 

Potts. There is nothing in life I wouldn't do for that 
girl — I tell you, nothing, nothing — ^nothing — do you 
hear! 

Shadwell. I do, but I advise you not to let your 
emotions choke you. 

Potts {mournfully). But she, she wouldn't look 
at me ! , 

Shadwell. Wouldn't she? How extremely distress-j 
ing. Suppose you cheer up — remember, women never 
know their own minds at first. She may yet acknowledge 
your perfections and throw herself into your armsj 
Think of that! 

Potts {joyously). By Jove! if she did — what 
§hock! 



ij 



Molly Bawn 65 

Shadwell. Where could she get a better fellow! 
** Faint heart,*' you know. Pluck up spirit, and attack 
her boldly. 

Potts. Boldly? I understand. You mean — a — that 
is — you advise — a — er — yes, I understand — I under- 
stand 

Shadwell. Throw yourself at her feet ! 

Potts. I will, by Jove, I will! 

Shadwell. To-morrow 

Potts. Now! {Quickly ^ ivUh long strides to d. l.) 

[EXIT d. l. 

Shadwell. Idiot! But that clears the way for me. 
(Xes to piano and plays. ENTER Robert d. r., carry- 
ing screen) Ah, Robert. (Looking at him) What's 
that for? 

Robert (xing to l., placing screen as it ivas in Act II). 
Sir William wishes it replaced. 

Shadwell. Sir William's temper has greatly im- 
proved in the last few weeks, don't you think so, Robert? 

Robert. Wonderful, sir! 

Shadwell. Since Miss Masserene came, remarkable 
change, eh? 

Robert. Wonderful, sir! {Returning to c.) 

Shadwell. She appears to have great influence over 
him? 

Robert. Wonderful, sir! (Xing^od. r.) 

Shadwell {at piano). Has Sir William come down 
to dinner? 

Robert. He is in the library with Mr. Blake. 

Shadwell. His confidential adviser. 

Robert. Yes, sir. [EXIT d. r. 

ShadW'ELl {musingly). Blake! H'm! that means 
something. (Molly appears at balustrade outside c. 
window) 

Molly {mock heroic manner). Save me! save me! 

Shadwell ( quickly) . From what ? 

Molly. Mr. Potts ! 

Shadw^ell. Oh! {Laughing as he goes quickly to 
window) Poor Potts! 



66 Molly Bawn 

Molly. He's pursuing me with the awful determina- 
tion of telling me he loves me ! Do help me through this 
window — perhaps he will not find me. (Shadwell as- 
sists her to climb through window) There! {Draws 
curtain across window) Oh, I hope he's lost! As 
though anybody could ever think of marrying Potts! 
Ugh! It gives me goose-flesh! (Xes to fireplace and 
extends hands toward blaze. Shadwell, near fireplace, 
looks at her hands) Imagine going through life and be- 
ing introduced as Plan-taj-e-net Potts! (Laughing) 

ENTEE Marcia d. l. Shadwell a^id Molly do not see 
her. She pauses a moment^ then advances noise- 
lessly UP L. and GOES behind screen. 

Shadwell {laughing). Or Mrs. Planty Potts! 
{Looking at ring on Molly's finger) What a handsome 
ring ! Was it a present ? 

Molly. Of course — could I ever afford to buy such a 
ring? 

Shadwell. Will you think me rude if I ask you — 
who gave it you ? 

Molly. Oh — Captain — now how can I answer that? 
{Lau-ghing coquettishly, as she xes slowly toward c.) 

Shadwell {following her; earnestly). Molly, be seri- 
ous, I beg — tell me the truth — are you engaged? Is 
there anything between you and — Ted Luttrell? 

Molly. Well, if I must confess it, there is. 

Sfiadw^ell. As I feared ! it is true 

Molly. Quite true — there is a great deal of space be- 
tween us — more than there is — between — you and me! 
{Eyeing him coquettishly) 

Shadwell {advancing to her). How you love to tor- 
ture me ! If I only dared believe that I could come be- 
tween you and — all the world! . 

Molly {quoting). 

"He either fears his fate too much, 
Or his deserts are small, 
Who fears to put it to the touch 
To win or lose it ail. ' ' 



Molly Bawn 67 

SiiADWELL. I fear nothing — except the thought of 
losing you. Whether I Avin or lose, I -must speak now. 
{Taking her Jiands) What can I tell you that you do 
not already know? I love you — ^jMolly, I love you 

Molly. Philip — I forbid you! 

Shadwell. Forbid ! 

]\IoLLY [drawing away Jier hands). You must not 
speak like that — I was only jesting. 

SiiADWELL. Jesting — you think you can play with me 
as you play with Luttrell {Grasping her hands) 

ENTER D. c. Luttrell. Throws open the curtains at c. 
ivindow and goes down r. to c. 

Luttrell. Release that lady's hands instantly! 

Molly {advancing between them). Stop — not an- 
other word — I forbid it. Captain Shadwell, will you go? 

Shadwell. I object to being dismissed in this curt 
manner — I have a right to expect 



Molly {quickly). Nothing — from me 



Spiadwell. I understand. {Bowing to her) I beg 
your pardon. {To- Luttrell) We cannot quarrel in 
the presence of this lady — but if you think you have any 
grievance to settle with me, I will be happy to discuss 
it with you whenever you are ready. {Bowing) 

Luttrell. I '11 kill you ! 

Shadwell. Perhaps you may try — but I shall en- 
deavor to prevent you from succeeding. (Xing to d. l.) 
Au revoir! [EXIT d. l. 

Molly {nervously). Teddy 

Luttrell {sternly). Let me look at you — let me see 
how brazenly you can carry out, your deception to the 
end — the end, do you hear? 

Molly. Of what am I accused? 

Luttrell. Treachery! How innocent you look — yet 
in your heart you are laughing at me — you never loved 
me — I was mad to believe in 3'ou ! 

IMolly. You are mad — if you accuse me of decep- 
tion. 



68 Molly Bawn 

LuTTRELL. I am glad — that I have found you out 

]\IoLLY. Found me out ! Teddy 

LuTTKELL. Do YOU deny that you have been flirting 
openly with Captain Shadwell? 

Molly. I do not deny it, but I deny that I was ever 
false to you, in thought or word! 

LuTTRELL. You cxpect me to believe that? 

Molly. It's the truth! {Advancing a step to him) 

LuTTRELL. I refuse to believe it — I am sick of being 
toi'tnred. You may marry Captain Shadwell or any one 
you please — I am done with you! (A step to r.) 

Molly {near l. of table, after brief pause). Do you — 
do YOU mean that — our engagement — is ended 

LuTTRELL. Ended — forever. 

JMoLLY. You won 't — believe me ? 

LUTTRELL. No. 

Molly {slowly draivs off ring and advances to table; 
tearfully). Ended — forever. Here — is — your — ring. 
{Lays it on table) 

LuTTRELL {in loiv tone). You may keep it. 

Molly {moving the ring toward Jiim). It would hurt 
me — after what you said. {Turning up c.) Perhaps 
when you look at it, you may think of me — a little 

LuTTRELL {ivratJiftdly) . I do not wish to think of 
you again! {Snatches up ring and throws it into the 
fireplace) Never! (Goes up r.) 

Molly {sharp outcry). Oh, what have you done! 
{Quickly xes to fireplace) You have destroyed it — you 
have burned my ring — my ring! {Kneeling in front of 
fire, weeping violently) 

Luttrell {near her, bitterly). You weep for this 
ornament — for its glitter — as false as your eyes, your 
promises 

Molly. Oh, do not speak to me — you have said 
enough — go — leave me ! {Standing near fireplace, weep- 
ing) 

Luttrell {drawing bach). I will — you — heartless, 
treacherous girl! [EXIT quickly c. window 

Molly. My ring! My pretty ring! Oh, Teddy I 



Molly Bawn 69 

If only you had not been so cruel! {Kneeling in front 
of fire) Perhaps if I could save it and show it to him, 
he might believe me! {Takes poker and rakes in coals 
for ring) There it is! My pretty ring! Oh, Teddy! 
How could you! {Draws ring from fire, looks at it) 
Oh, it's all black— it's ruined— like my life! Teddy! 
Teddy! {Weeping, sinks into chair at fireplace) 

ENTER Shadwell d. l. 

SuADWEhL {advancing qidckly) . Molly (Molly 

tiirns to him indignantly) What has distressed you? 

Molly {indignantly). You have — you are the cause 
of all my misery. {Rising) 

Shadwell. I would rather die than cause you un- 
happiness. 

MoLhY {wrathfully). I wish you would! I hate 
you ! 

Shadwell. Milly — be careful! 

Molly. I do- -I do — I do — you have driven him 
away — we are separated forever. 

Shadwell. Are you alluding to Luttrell ? 

Molly. Yes, I am. 

Shadwell. You weep for a man who has flung you 
aside, who, for a mere suspicion, in a jealous fit of rage, 
renounces you — while I — for your slightest wish, I would 
risk life ! 

Molly. I do not want your life — I despise you ! He 
was righ'. He thought me false — I have not been fair 
to him, and now it is too late to tell him. 

Shadwell. Tell him what ? 

Molly. Tell him I love him — I do love him, and I 
am not ashamed to say it ! 

I Shadwell {sarcastically). It is a pity that such love 
as yours should have met with such a poor return. 

IMoLLY. You are incapable of judging him! Pie is 
all that is true and noble, while you — you are a coward ! 

Shadwell. You shall have cause to repent those 
words ! 



i 
70 Molly Bawn / 

ENTER D. R. Sir William. i 

Sir Wm. Well, my young friends, is dinner ready? 
(Advancing) Have I kept you waiting? {Glances at 
SiiADWELL, who is fvowning and does not reply. Then 
he looks at Molly r. She is wiping the tears from her 
eyes) What's all this? Molly in tears? What does 
this mean? (Marcia steps quickly forward from he- 
hind, screen l. c.) 

Marcia. I will tell you! 

Molly {in surprise). Marcia! 

Marcia. Sir William shall know what kind of a 
woman you really are I {Glaring at Molly) 

Sir Wm. {sternly). Marcia! 

Marcia. It is true, Sir William — you have been im- 
posed upon — by this girl, who will bring disgrace upon 
herself and shame to you. 

Sir Wm. Shame to me — how so? 

Marcia. By her scandalous conduct with Captain 
Shadwell and Mr. Luttrell ! 

Sir Wm. {sternly, astonished), Molly! — can I be- 
lieve my own ears ! 

Molly (xes to Sir Wm.). Every word is false, 
grandfather. I care nothing for Captain Shadwell, and 
my engagement to — to Mr. Luttrell — is — broken. {Tear- 
fully) See, there is my ring — {Showing it) all that 
is left of it, and my hopes. {Looking at Shadwell) 
Captain Shadwell can tell you that I speak the truth ! 

Sir Wm. {to Shadwell). Philip, can you exonerate 
Molly from this charge of dishonorable conduct? 

Shadwell {down r.). I should be only too happy 
were it in my power to do so. Unfortunately, Miss Mas- 
serene is not so faultless as she wishes to appear. j 

Molly {indignantly). Oh! You know I refused 
you! I 

Shadwell. To my everlasting regret. But you can- 1 
not deny that you accepted my attentions, and encour- \ 
aged me to the length where I had a right to believe that 
you cared for me? \ \ 



Molly Bawn 71 

Molly. Grandfather, it's not true 

Marcia (l. c). It is true! And all the time you 
were engaged to Mr. Lutti-ell ! 

Sir Wm. (seriously) . Eleanor, these charges are very 
serious — I will not tolerate a scandal under my roof! 
Is there any truth in what they say? 

Molly. It is true that I was engaged to Ted, it is also 
true that Captain Shadwell declared his love for me — 
even after he saw this ring on my finger ! And it is true 
that I told him I despised him ! Marcia heard all this ! 

Marcl\. I ? 

Molly. ''Hiding and listening to conversations that 
are not meant to be overheard is not a strictly honor- 
able amusement!" 

Shadwell. Bravo! Miss Masserene, I congratulate 
you; you are an excellent actress; you will undoubtedly 
make a great success upon the professional stage — if you 
ever reach it. 

Sir Wm. {in rage). Silence, sir! Do not mention 
the stage in my hearing ! My granddaughter will never 
go upon the stage — she will remain with me ! You, sir, 
leave my house, and take your cousin Marcia with you — 
you care nothing for me — neither of you — you want my 
money! But you shall not have it — not one farthing! 
To-morrow I will sign my will, and this is my heiress, 
Molly Bawn! {An arm about Molly) 

Molly. Grandfather, do not excite yourself, it will 
make you ill 

Marcia. You mean to disinherit me ? 

Sir Wm. I have already done so — I disown you — both 
of you! 

Marcia {in rage). This is your gratitude after my 
sacrifices — you tyrant — you madman! You crush me 
with a blow — you scatter my hopes like ashes in the 
wind — you promised me my reward — you have lied to 
me! 

Sir Wm. {in great rage). Stop her — out of my sight 
—go— you — you {He pauses, overcome) 

Molly. Grandfather 



72 Molly Bawn 

Sir Wm. Eleanor — my child — (faintly) my child 

(Falls heavily to floor) 

Molly (in horror). Oh, help, help me (Kneel- 
ing beside Sir William) 

Marcia. I hate you — I curse you — I curse you 
both ! 

ENTER Robert quickly d. r. followed by Lady Cecil. 

Molly (to Marcia). You have done this. (To Sir 
William) Grandfather, speak to me — it is Eleanor — it 
is your own Molly Bawn — (Placing hand over his heart) 
Grandfather! (She pauses a moment, then utters a cry 
of despair) Oh! (7'o Marcia) You have killed him! 
You murderess! (Falling on knees beside Sir William, 
weeping. The others regard Marcia in horror and 
astonishment) 

Molly and Sir William down c. Marcia l. of c. 
Shad WELL r. of c. Robert and Lady Cecil above 
table c. 

CURTAIN 



Molly Bawn 73 



ACT IV 

SCENE. — One month later. Scene the same cfn in 
Act III, ivith the exception of a few slight changes 
in the arrangement of the furniture. The screen 
has heen removed from. l. The table from c. stands 
L. c. with chair r. of it. The divan nov^ stands l., 
near flat. Tete-a-tete that was down r. c. now faces 
the fireplace. Arm-chair hack against r. flat. 
Single chair down r. of c. Piano closed. Curtains 
on doors and window partly closed. DISCOVERED 
Potts seated down r., staring stolidly ahead, prim 
and motionless. 

ENTER Sarah O'Donnell d. r. 

Sarah {observing Potts). Glory be! {Advancing) 
Faith, would it be aixin' too much of ye if I was to in- 
quire your name ? 

Potts {staring at Sarah). By Jove! 

Sarah. By Jove, is it? I don't think much o' that 
for a name. 

Potts. You misunderstand. 

Sarah. Did I aix your name ? 

Potts. Yes, but 

Sarah. And didn't you say *'By Jove"? 

Potts. Yes, but that's not my name. 

Sarah. Don 't you know your name, little boy ? 

Potts. Madam, I am a man, by Jove — a full grown 
man, and my name is Plantagenet Potts ! 

Sarah. Plantagenet Potts! Glory be to goodness! 
Will yez listen to that ! Sure, I 've heard tell o ' yez be- 
fore now, from Miss Molly herself, bless her heart ! 

Potts. Miss Molly! You don't mean to say — that 
is — ah — you are 

Sarah {brusquely). Spheak out — what's hinderin' 
ye? Have yez got the mumps? 

Potts. You misunderstand, my good woman. I 
called, that is, I just dropped in 



74 Molly Bawn 

Sarah. When no one was lookin' — faith, some folks 
is sint to jail for less nor that. (To L. c.) 

Potts (rising). I was very well acquainted with the 
late Sir William — such a shock ! 

Sarah. A shock is it ! Ton me conscience, I 'm that 
scart 'tis a wonder I 'm not in a better world before now. 

Potts. Poor Sir William ! such a dear old gentleman ! 
So kindly, so amiable, so pleasantly, so — so 

Sarah. Yis, yis — every one says so — now he 's dead — 

but whin he was alive I 'd hate to be af ther repatin ' 

the names they called him. (To l.) 

Potts {advancing to c), I came to see one of the 
ladies. 

Sarah. There's only one in the house, and you're 
lookin ' at her with your two eyes. 

Potts. You are — Miss 

Sarah (courtesy). Sarah O'Donnell, of County Dar- 
ragh — did yez ever hear tell of it, Mr. Motts ? 

Potts. Potts — Potts, my dear Miss O'Donnell. 

Sarah. Mr. Potts — or kittles — what kind of a name 
is that to have anyhow ? 

Potts. I understand Sir William left most of his for- 
tune to Miss Masserene? (c.) 

Sarah. Then yez understand more than any one 
else — though 'tis no more than he should do, seein' how 
he treated her poor mother, who was his own daughter, 
and the finest lady that ever walked on two feet! 
(Sharply) Faith, I know what I'm talkin' about — 
didn't I raise Miss Molly from a wee bit of a baby, no 
higher than me thumb nail — an' many's the night I 
walked the floor with her — ah, she'd a foine pair of 
lungs for screechin'! And when the poor young Missus 
died, wasn 't I there to close her sweet eyes, and fold her 
poor thin hands '- (Wiping Tier eyes on her apron) 

Potts. It is most distressing, Miss O'Donnell — I am 
sure Miss Molly deserves to inherit her grandfather's 
money. 

Sarah. She do deserve it. 

Potts. And I hope she will not be disappointed. 



Molly Bawn 75 

Sarah. There's no tellin' — the old gentleman was 
that — that — what's this they're afther eallin' it? 

Potts. Eccentric ? 

Sarah. The very word — sure it stuck in me throat. 
But if he's gone and forgotten Miss Molly, bad luck to 
him! I'll plant onions on his grave! And there's no 
worse luck than that I could be afther doin' him! 
There's no chance of his goin' to heaven at all, at all, 
with the smell of onions liangin ' to his coat tails ! 

Potts. I sincerely hope your worst fears will not be 
realized. {Bows to her) 

Sarah. You're a nice little boy to be talkin' so 
smooth for the benefit of the wee lamb. (Advancing to 
Mm) Have yez any intintion back of it? 

Potts. Intention ? 

Sarah. Intintion. Is that too big a word for yez ? 

Potts. By Jove! (Down r. c.) I don't compre- 
hend ! 

Sarapi (xing to c). You don't comprehend! Well 
thin I'll be afther tellin' yez in plain Irish. If you're 
thinkin ' of makin ' love to Miss Molly for the sake of the 
money — if she gets it — I '11 boost yez through the windy, 
as sure as me name's 'Donnell ! 

Potts. By Jove ! That would be a shock ! Mv dear 
lady 

Sarah. I'm not your dear lady — I'm not relation to 
yez at all, at all — faith I 'm glad to say it. Now will yez 
have a glass of milk and a piece of bread and sugar, or 
what do yez want here anyway? - 

Potts. I called to pay my respects to Miss Masserene, 
if she is not engaged? 

Sarah. It's none of your business whether she's en- 
gaged or not — the impudence! Do you think she'd be 
afther tellin' you what's nobody's business, savin' her 
own ? 

Potts. May I speak to her? 

Sarah. I have me doubts! She's not doin' much 
talkin' since Sir William died — if you're a mind to sit 
here, I'll aix her. {Turning up to d. r.) And if I'm 



76 Molly Bawn 

not back inside of three hours, yez can find your way 
out without a lantern, Mr. Lotts 

Potts. Potts—Potts— Planty Potts ! 

Sarah. Planty Potts! Heaven forgive your mother 
for bestowin' such a name on yez! Ain't it killin'! 

[EXIT D. K. 

Potts (down c). By Jove! 

ENTER D. L. Marcia. 

Potts (ohserving lier). All! 

Marcia {advancing). Mr. Potts. 

Potts. My deepest sympathy, dear Miss Amherst — 
by Jove! Wasn't it awful! 

Marcia. You mean Sir William's death? (Xing 
^0 R. c.) 

Potts (l. c). Yes — so unexpected. 

Marcia. Yes — it came as a great sorrow to me — poor 
dear grandfather — I cannot realize that he is gone from 
us forever! How I miss his gentle face, his dear voice! 
I am not of a demonstrative nature, which m.akes me 
seem unfeeling, but I keep my grief buried in my heart, 
where no one can read it. 

Potts. That 's just like me ! I am so tender-hearted — 
sometimes I — I cry about — nothing! {^YMmpering) 
By Jove ! I do ! really ! 

Marcia. Sit down, Mr. Potts. {Bits R. c.) 

Potts. Thank you so much. {Sits l. c.) . 

Marcia. I suppose you know that we are to hear the 
reading of Sir William's will to-day? 

Potts {quickly, rising). No! 

Marcia. Yes. 

Potts. Oh ! 

Marcia. Sit down. 

Potts. Thanks awfully! {Resuming seat) 

Marcia. You were a great favorite with Sir William. 

Potts {surprised). Was I? 

Marcia. He often spoke of you — I would not be sur- 
prised if he has left you a memento of his esteem. 



Molly Bawn 77 

Potts (quicJdy). I hope so — {Correcting) I mean, 
I should be very grateful, by Jove ! 

Marcia. The bulk of the fortune, including this 
house, must of necessity be divided between Captain 
Shadwell and myself. 

Potts. Indeed ? 

Marcia. We are the only heirs. 

Potts. Indeed ? 

Marcia. The will was made some time ago, in our 
favor. 

Potts. Indeed ? 

Marcia. And Sir William loved Philip and me very 
dearly. 

Potts. Indeed? 

Marcia {rising). Will you remain for the reading? 

Potts. If I may. 

Marcia. You may. I am mistress in this house. 

Potts {rising). Then you think that — your cousin, 
Miss Masserene, has not been remembered by Sir 
William? 

Marcia {icily). The person to whom you refer will 
inherit nothing. (Xing to fireplace) Before he died. 
Sir William was fully aware of her real character, her 
sinister motive in coming here, pretending great affection 
for him. She has continued to remain under this roof 
contrary to my wishes — brazen creature! But to-day 
she must go, in bitter disappointment and humiliation. 

Potts. Dear me! How very painful! 

Marcia. In the long run, deceit does not pay. 

ENTER D. R. Sarah. 

Potts. And I thought her so charming! What a 
shock ! 

Sarah. Mr. Potts, would it be too much of a shock 
if I was to tell yez that Miss Molly will see yez on the 
verandah ! 

Potts. By Jove ! ( Turning up toivard r. ) It would 
be very delightful. 



78 Molly Bawn 

Sarah. Follow j'our nose an' turn to the right — then 
.turn to the left, and there yez are ! 

Potts. Thanks awfully, Miss 'Murphy. 

[EXIT D. R. 
Sarah (glaring at Marcia. Aside). Ah, bad luck to 
that one ! She's a divil if ever there was one in skirts. 

[EXIT R., after Potts 

ENTER Shad WELL d. l., Marcla facing liim. 

Marcia {surprised). Philip! I did not expect to see 
you here ! 

Shad WELL. I did not come of my own free will ; this 
unpleasant business made it compulsory. 

Marcla. Won 't you shake hands with me f {Advanc- 
ing ^ offering lier Jiand) 

ShadW'Ell. It would be an act of hypocrisy for me 
to do so — if you will excuse me. {Bowing^ turning 
DOWN L. c.) 

Marcl\. Was it not hypocrisy when you permitted 
Sir William to believe that Molly was guilty of dishonor- 
able conduct? — or have you another word, more agree- 
able to your conscience? 

Shad WELL. I had my own score to settle with Molly! 
I had no thought of your grievance in settling that score. 

Marcia. I know that you have ceased to care for me — 
I stood behind the screen an^ heard you declare your 
love for her — just as she had once stood there and heard 
me say 

Shadwell. That you wished Sir William dead! 
That you would not hesitate to hasten his end — you have 
your wish — more, you are responsible for his death ! 

Marcia {strongly). Philip! how dare you say that? 

Shadwell. You knew his feeble condition — you 
knew rage and excitement would seriously affect his 
heart — you deliberately worked him to a frenzy, hoping 
for a fatal result — you killed him — as much as though 
you had shot him through the heart ! 

Marcia. Oh! Philip! Philip! {Sinking on her knees 
leside Mm) Spare me! Pity me! I wanted the 



Molly Bawn 79 

money, for you — not for myself — I knew he contem- 
plated changing his will, and we would 1)0 left penni- 
less. All I did was for your sake {Rising) You 

must stand by me ! 

SiiADWELL (xiNG to n. c.) . I havc already told you, 
I am done with you. I do not know who will get the 
money, ])ut I hope it will be M0II3' Masserene ! 

Marcia {hitterly). And if it is, you will try to marry 
her! 

Shad WELL. I certainly will ! 

Marcl\. You will not get your wish — you traitor! 
Sir William died before he signed a new will ! What I 
did was for your sake — whether you acknowledge it or 
not — it was for love of you ! If you want to see me pun- 
ished for loving you, so be it ! But you can never have 
a peaceful mind, knowing that what has happened was 
for your sake ! 

Shadwell. You better keep your priceless affection 
for some one else. I shall never be more to you than I 
am now — and that is — nothing. 

[EXIT through c. ivindow 

MARCL4. Nothing! And I have sacrificed all! 
{Turning to d. l.) Is there anywhere in all this world 
a heart more desolate, more crushed than mine! For 
nothing! [EXIT d. l. 

ENTER D. R. Sarah, followed hy Luttrell. 

Sarail Come in — whist a cushla — glory be! You're 
a sight for the saints! Not a word above a whisper — 
it'll be the grandest surprise since me great grandfather 
took the measles! {Cautiously closes d. r., advancing 
DOWN R. c. Luttrell advances down l. c.) 

Luttrell {his manner suhdued) . Thank you, Sarah, 
for your warm welcome. But if the truth must be 
known, I am very sorry I had to come here. 

Sarah. Sorry, is it ? 

Luttrell. Mr. Blake notified me that he particularly 
desired me to be present to-day, in fact, he insisted upon 
it. That is my only reason for coming. 



80 Molly Bawn 

Sarah. Faith, you ought to be ashamed to say it. 
The oiigratitucle ! The loikes o' yez puttin' on airs! 
Sure, you don 't deserve to be let inside the door ! 

LuTTRELL. I don't pretend to deserve anything, 
Sarah, except disappointment, and — (Bitterly) I have 
had plenty of that. 

Sarah. Arrah, whose fault is it but your own and 
your bad timper! Ah ha, if I'd 'a' had the bringin' up 
o' yez, I'd 'a' walloped yez ! Look at Miss Molly 

LuTTRELL. Yes, you brought her up 

Sarah. I did, and ain 't she a credit to me ! the sweet 
bairn! She has no more timper than a sick cat! (Lijt- 
TRELL XES to L.) Slic's that good-uaturcd it makes me 
mad! Many's the time I've said to her, ''Why don't 
yez have some spirit?" but she only laughs at me! 
{Mysteriously to r.) Poor child! I don't think I've 
heard her laugh these four weeks — she's no more like the 
same Molly than if she was some one else. {Sits r. c.) 

Luttrell. It is quite natural that she should feel 
greatly distressed over Sir William's death, coming so 
suddenly. {Picking up magazine from tahle) It is 
fortunate she had a friend to comfort her. 

Sarah. That she had, poor dear, and it's meself com.e 
all the way from Rosedale, the minute she sent for me. 

Luttrell. I didn 't mean you. 

Sarah. Ye didn't? {Rising) I'm the only friend 
she has in this house. 

Luttrell {advancing a step). Isn't Captain Shad- 
w^ell here? 

Sarah. Bad cess to him ! the slathereene ! I'd like to 
throttle him with me two fists! He's tormentin' the 
poor darlin ' out of her sinses, and if I was her, I 'd take 
the broom-stick to him. 

Luttrell. What do you mean, Sarah? 

Sarah. I mean this — ain't he always squintin' at 
her, an' winkin' his two bold black eyes, an' thryin' to 
make love to her — an' she hatin' him, worse than the 
divil hates the Bible ! 

Luttrell {in amazement) . Hates him! 



Molly Bawn 81 

Sarah. Of course she do ! Could she be afther loviii' 
two men at the same time? An' ain't she afther lovin' 
one till she's most kilt! 

LuTTRELL {turning back to L. disconsolately). I 
see — then she does love some one? (His hack to Sarah) 

Sarah (slyly). Yis — and do yez want to know who 
it is? 

LuTTRELL (quickly). No — never mind. 

Sarah. I'll tell yez anyhow, it'll do yez good to hear 
it— she 's afther lovin ' a fool — a loony — one of thim kind 
of min that don't know a prize when it's his! What do 
ye think o' that! 

LuTTRELL (sighing heavily). I have no right to ex- 
press any opinion regarding Miss Masserene's affairs. I 
suppose w^e cannot avoid meeting, but I assure her, 
through you, that I will not speak to her, nor distress her 
in any way. 

Sarah. That's a foine speech — may yez choke before 
3^ez think of another loike it ! 

Luttrell (turns sharply toward Sarah). What! 

Sarah (up to d. r.). If I had your brains, I'd want 
to sell myself to the British army for a first class target I 
Oh, but yer thick — askin' yer pardon for speakin' the 
truth ! (Luttrell stands down l. c. near table, sighi^ig 
heavily as Sarah EXITS) [EXIT Sarah d. r. 

ENTER Molly c. window, not immediately observing 
Luttrell. She has an open letter in her hand. 

Molly (slowly advancing to fireplace, reading letter). 
Dear John ! He is so eager for me to return to Rosedale ! 
He shall not be kept waiting much longer ! 

Luttrell (turning toward her). I beg your par- 
don 

Molly. Oh ! (With a sharp start, facing him) Oh ! 
Teddy! (Advances joyously, then pauses abruptly, as 
Luttrell regards her coldly) Mr. Luttrell 

Luttrell (bowing frigidly). Miss Masserene. lam 
very sorry if I appear to intrude, but I came at Mr. 
Blake's request. 



82 Molly Bawn 

Molly. Mr. Blake will be here in a few moments. 
Won't you sit down? 

LuTTRELL. Perhaps I better wait outside until Mr. 
Blake comes in. 

Molly. Oh, no — this room is quite large enough — I 
am sure we will not crowd each other. (Down to ex- 
treme R.) 

LuTTRELL. Thank you. (Down to extreme l.) 

Molly. Beautiful weather. 

LuTTRELL. Delightfully cool! 

Molly. Is your health good ? 

LuTTRELL. Perfect. 

Molly. S-o? 

LuTTRELL. How is your health ? 

Molly. I have been ill 

LuTTRELL {quicJdy). Ill — {Advancing apprehen- 
sively) Molly 

Molly. Mr. Luttrell 



LuTTRELL (pausing c). Miss Masserene. I am very 
sorry to hear it 

Molly. Yes, I might have died, only — I didn't. 

Luttrell. Have you quite recovered? 

Molly. No — sometimes I feel as though I am not long 
for this wicked world! {Sighing, as site advances a 
step) 

Luttrell. Molly — my dear Molly {Advancing) 

Molly. Sir ! 

Luttrell. Oh, what is the use of acting like a fool ? 

Molly. I suppose some people can't help it. 

Luttrell. I couldn't keep away from you — Mr. 
Blake did not ask me to come down here at all — I made 
it all up — I was mad to see you, so — I — lied! 

Molly. Oh, Teddy! {In mock horror) That's an 
awful sin ! 

Luttrell. You are my confessor, so you will have to 
give me a penance and grant me forgiveness. 

Molly {extending her hand). Oh, Teddy, I've had 
so much trouble — I feel as though I were a hundred years 
old and without a friend in the world ! 



Molly Bawn 83 

LuTTRELL. If only you had sent for me 1 

Molly. Would you have come ? 

LuTTRELL. Would I have come! Ask a drowning 
man if he will catch a rope ! 

Molly. But you are so wicked, Teddy! It is very 
hard to be good friends with you when, you are always 
quarreling with me, and running away. 

LUTTRELL. Suppose I promisc never to quarrel with 
you again, and never to run away? What would you 
say? 

Molly. I'd say Oh, I don't think I'd say any- 
thing but — Teddy ! {Throws arms about his neck. Loud 
rap is heard outside d. r. Molly and Luttrell separate, 
Molly to l., Luttrell r., both standing primly. The 
rap is repeated) Come in! 

ENTEE Sarah d. r. 

Sarah (glancing from one to the other suspiciously), 
Mr. Blake. 

Molly. Ask Mr. Blake to come in. 
Sarah (ojf d. r.). Come in, Mr. Blake. 

ENTER Mr. Blake d, r., carrying documents. 
Molly {advancing) . How do you do, Mr. Blake? 
Blake {advancing). My dear Miss Masserene. 
Molly. This is Mr. Luttrell— a friend— of the family. 

ENTER D. R. Shadwell, d. l. Marcl\, c. ivindow Potts. 
Molly xes to l. of table. 

Sarah. Will yez all sit down without askin'? 

Blake. I will stand, thank you. 

Sarah. Suit yourself. (Luttrell r. c. Shadwell 
at fireplace. Marcia up l. of c. Potts up at back. 
Sarah 7iear d. r. Molly down l. c. Blake c. ) 

Blake. My dear friends, if there is no objection, I 
will proceed with the reading of the last will of our late 
relative and friend, Sir William Amherst, who departed 
this life, with great suddenness, only four weeks ago. 
{Opens will, reads) ''The last will and testament of Sir 
William Amherst, baronet. I, Sir William Amherst, of 



84 Molly Bawn 

Herst-Royal, being of sound mind and in possession of 
my will and all my faculties, do hereby proclaim this my 
last and only lawful testament. And I direct that it be 
administered accordingly. To Lady Cecil Stafford in 
memory of our old friendship, I leave the sum of two 
th ousand pounds. " 

Shadwell. Lady Cecil! Indeed. 

Blake {continuing). "To the only son of my good 
friend, John Blake, two thousand pounds." 

Molly. Your little boy. I am so glad. 

Blake {continuing) . "To each and every one of my 
servants, the sum of one thousand pounds and one year 's 
wages, except to Eobert Garvice, my loyal, faithful serv- 
ant, I leave the sum of two thousand pounds and five 
years' wages." 

Marcla {impatiently) . Go on, sir, if you please. 

Blake {continuing^ after pause). *'A11 the rest of 
the property, of which I die possessed, all the houses, 
lands, money and personal effects, I give and bequeath 
to — my beloved grandchild, Eleanor Masserene ! ' ' 

Marcia. Oh! {Staggering with amazement and rage) 

Molly {amazed, rising). Grandfather has left me— 
all this — to me? 

Blake. All to you, Miss Masserene. 

Molly. There must be some mistake. 

Blake. There is no mistake. 

Marcia {advancing in rage). It is false — it is the 
will of an imbecile — a madman ! It shall not be ! 

Blake {sternly). Pardon me. Miss Amherst — you 
will find it very unwise to attempt a contest. To dispute 
this will would be madness indeed ; my old friend, your 
grandfather, died in perfect possession of his senses, 

Marcia. It's a lie — I'll not believe it. The signature 
is false ! 

Blake. Look at it! (Marcia quickly advances and 
looks at will) You have often seen him sign his 
name 

Marcia. Yes — but I tell you he died before this will 
was prepared for him to sign I 



Molly Bawn 85 

Blake. You are mistaken; the very day he died, I 
came here by appointment with this will ready, as you 
sec it. I sent him a letter to that effect 

Marcia (sharply). A letter 

Blake. Which he told me he had not received. 

Marcia. Oh ! And knowing this, you deceived me — 
you let me continue to think that I would be the mistress 
of Herst-Royal ! 

Blake. I may not be a gentleman in your estimation, 
but at least I am honorable enough to respect the con- 
fidence of my clients. 

Marcia. It was a mean revenge! (To Blake) I 

detest you— (To all) all of you (To Molly) It 

is worthy of you — you schemer — you outcast nobody — 
I wish you happiness with your ill-gotten w^ealth ! 

[EXIT wrathfully d. l. 

SHAD^VELL (xiNG to Molly). Permit me to con- 
gratulate you. It is only natural that you should in- 
herit. We might have known that even Sir William's 
worn and stony heart would not be proof against your 
grace and charm! (Bows and turns up l. Luttrell 
XES to fireplace and sits) 

Blake. My dear Miss Masserene 

Molly (advancing to Mm) . Oh, Mr. Blake — it is too 
much, I cannot accept it. 

Sarah. Glory be, me tongue is fast to the roof of me 
mouth with the news! 

Molly. We must give something to Marcia and 
Philip 

Sarah. Cive thim something is it! It's not so much 
as a pleasarc look I'd be afther givin' thim— the brace 
of divils ! 

Potts. By Jove! (Advancing) What a shock! 

Sarah (to Potts). Go 'long wid your shock! 

Potts. I think I will (Xing^od. l.) 

Shadwell. Come and have a brandy and soda. 

Potts. I think I will (Xing to d. l.) Al- 
though it never agrees with me. 

Shadwell, Come, Mr. Blake, will you join us? 



86 Moliy Bawn 1 

Blake. Presently. [EXIT Shadwell and Potts d. l. ■] 

Molly. It seems like a fairy tale ] 

Blake (to Molly). A very real one, my dear little ' 
friend. I congratulate you with all my heart. {Tak- ] 
ing her hand) I know how Sir William felt toward ] 
you, and I am glad he has made — atonement. J 

Molly. Thank you, thank you! (Blake EXITS 'i 
D. L.) Oh, Sarah! I must have a good cry! (Xes to \ 
Sarah, about to bury her face on Sarah's shoidder) 

Sarah (retreating) . Not on me best black cashmere! j 
Sure there's a manly bosom forninst ye if you're a mind I 
to weep. (Winking at Luttrell, theri turning to d. r.) ^ 
Pon me conscience, 'tis the finest news I've heard since ] 
me grandmother's weddin'! [EXIT d. r. | 

LuTTRELL (advancing, slowly). Molly, I too must \ 
congratulate you — it is a splendid piece of good for- ^ 
tune — for you. a 

Molly. Teddy, how solemn you look — you look as : 
though you were sorry. 

LuTTRELL. Perhaps I am 

Molly. Now what do you mean, you bad Teddy? ] 

LuTTRELL. Mean? Doesn't it mean ''Good-bye"? ; 

Molly (surprised). Good-bye? ' 

LuTTRELL. You are now a great heiress, while I am [ 
only a poor lieutenant in His Majesty's service — if I held \ 
you to your promise, it would look as though 

Molly. Not another word, sir! What do you sup- j 
pose it would look like to break our engagement? Do j 
you think you will be allowed to jilt me ? No, sir ! I '11 • 
buy you, if you 're not too expensive ! 

LuTTRELL. Molly, do you really mean that? ) 

Molly. I do, and to prove it, look there. (Shows ] 
ring on cJiain about her neck) Your ring, which you \ 
treated so cruelly — in a new setting! Now, sir, put it on 1 
my finger! (Luttrell, laughing, does so) And say^ i 
''My own Molly Bawn." \ 

Luttrell. My own Molly Bawn! (Embrace) i 

CURTAIN \ 



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Just for Fun (27c.) 

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H _ lang 
i, Greal 

! AVyv 





Acts Males Females Time 


Farce 


3 


4 


5 


2y4h 


Comedy 


2 


1 


7 


iy2h 


Drama 


3 


9 


8 


2y4h 


Comedy 


4 


4 


4 


l%h 


'« 


8 


2 


4 


2h 


I (27c.) 


8 


4 


4 


2h 




8 


6 


4 


2h 


Farce 


8 


5 


8 


Ih 


" 


8 


5 


4 


2h 


Comedy 


2 


2 


3 


Ih 


" 


2 


2 


8 


Ih 


Farce 


2 


8 


3 


l%h 






4 


3 


iy.h 


Drama 




6 


3 


iy4h 


Farce 




2 


2 


20m 






5 


5 


80m 


" 




2 


3 


45m 


" 




4 


4 


45m 


.< 




8 


4 


80m 


Comedy 




2 


4 


45m 


Farce 




4 


4 


80m 






1 


2 


30m 


Sketch 




2 


2 


30m 


Farce 




8 


1 


20m 


Comedy 




8 


1 


35m 


'« 




8 


1 


40m 


Farce 




2 


8 


80m 






4 


2 


80m 


•« 




2 


3 


40m 


" 




2 


1 


20m 


" 




2 


1 


15m 


" 




2 


4 


15m 


Comedy 




2 


8 


BOm 


Farce 




8 





80m 






4 





40m 


" 




3 


e 


35m 


«' 




9 





45m 


" 




7 





S5m 


Comedy 




6 





40m 


Dialogue 







2 


25m 






1 


1 


20m 


« 




1 


1 


80m 


" 




1 


1 


80m 


" 




1 


1 


20m 


«« 




1 


1 


20m 


«• 




1 


1 


20m 


Minstrel 







any no. 


2h 


Entertainment 







8 


Ih 


Comedy 







12 


40m 









10 


Ih 


Farce 







7 


80m 


Comedy 







8 


50m 


'« 







6 


l%h 


<* 







5 


80m 


♦« 







4 


l^h 


Mock Trial 




4 


4 


80m 






7 


18 


IVzh 


<i <> 




21 





2h 



l■w^ftWawy«iftAlVtf^iVVw v w v wvvv^ 




LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 

018 602 789 9 



PLAYS WE RECOMMEND 

For Schools and Colleges 

Twenty-five cents (Postage 2 cents extra,) 

Acts Males Females Time 



Irish Eden 

Kidnapp«d Freshman 

Mala-imonial Tiff 

Little BsLVSLse 

Lodgers Taken In 

Miss Slosher of Colorado 

Miss _ Neptune 

^$y Unde from India 

Never Again 

New England Folks 

Nest Door 

Oak Farm 

Riddles 

Eoscbrook Farm 

Stubborn Motor Car 

Too Many Husbands 

When a Man's Single 

WSsere the Lane Turned 

After the Honeymoon 

Biscuits and Bilis 

Chance at Midnight 

Conquest of Helen 

The Coward 

Sheriff of Tuckahoe 

Bashful Mr. Bobbs 

Whose Widow 

Alice's Blighted Profes- 
sion 

Regular Girls 

100% American 

Parlor Patriots 

Pads and Fancies 

Mr. Loring's Aunts 

My Son Arthur 

Sewing Circle Meets 

Every Senior 

Bride and Groom 

Last Chance 

Bubbles 

Hurricane Wooing 

Peggy's Predicament 

Found in a Closet 

Slacker (?) for the Cause 

Baby Scott 

BiJly's Bungalow 

College Chums 

Delegates from Denver 

Football Romance 

Held for Postage 

In the Absence of Susan 

Transaction in Stocks 

Aunt Dinah's Quilting 
Party 

Bachelor Maids* Reunion 

In the Ferry House 

Rustic Minstrel Show 

Ye Village ikew^l of Long 
Ago ^ 

Bainlbow Kimona 

Rosemary 

Pharaob's Knob 



Comedy 
Faipce 
Farce 
Comedy 



Farce 
Drama 

Comedy 
Comedy 



Farce 
Comedy 

Farce 

Comedy 

Drama 

Comedy 

Drama 

Western Sk. 

Comedy 

Sketch 

Entertainment 
Comedy 

Sketch 
Comedy 

Entertainment 
Morality play 
Facce 
Comedy 



Sketch 

Farce 

Comedy 



Comedy 
Entertainment 



any no. 
11 




